Thomasburg
Pictured above is a carving by Levi Caya of Thomas Clare, one of the founding settlers of Thomasburg. The carving was unveiled at a Canada 150 ceremony on Saturday June 24th 2017 in Thomasburg at the Spring Parkette.
A Brief History
Thomas Clare (1802-1889), Thomas Graham (1802-1881) and Thomas Nichol were three of the first settlers of the region, and the community adopted the name Thomasburg to honour them. Thomasburg quickly turned from vast wilderness to a community of over 200. It included three general stores, two carriage and wagon factories, a tannery, blacksmith, two show stores, grist mill, shingle mill, milliner, two dressmakers, saddler, potash works, a doctor and three hotels. Thomasburg also boasted two cheese factories, The Thomasburg Cheese Factory (1867-1918) and the Moira Valley Cheese Factory (1894-1956), an important feature in local rural life. The Post Office, another vital feature of the village, was opened in 1853, and maintained until December, 2010.
Thomasburg Today
A refreshing break from the bustle of city life, Thomasburg is a quiet village surrounded by the great outdoors and sprawling farms. The village residents are committed to maintaining their strong heritage while finding innovative ways to bring the hamlet to life. The rural village hosts a variety of entertainment that is off the beaten path at the Thomasburg Hall. Acts have included everything from a Japanese accordion player to the old-time music band Sheesham and Lotus.
The Moira River flows through Thomasburg, a great spot to go fishing. A trip to Thomasburg is not complete without a visit to the Vanderwater Conservation Area. At the heart of the village is Vanderwater Park, a 635-acre conservation area that is strikingly beautiful throughout the seasons. Visitors partake in cross country skiing, hiking, fishing, picnics, photography and bird watching. Another must-see is the Thomasburg Spring, as it is the very one that sustained settlers in the mid 1800’s and is still used today.
