History and Heritage

The settlement of Hope Township, which has an area of over 69,000 acres, began in 1793 with a group of six families arriving from the United States. With the end of the American Revolution families loyal to the crown made their way to Upper Canada seeking grants of free land. Each immigrant over a certain age was offered 200 acres and once their settlement duties were completed, received the deed of title to the property.

The maximum military grant to those who served was 1200 acres. The Township was surveyed beginning at the Base Line, near Lake Ontario, and divided into 200 acre parcels along the concession roads, which run east to west.

Our first settlers came by several different routes most eventually arriving by water to the harbour at Smith’s Creek (Port Hope). Some arrived on foot as they drove their cattle along the shoreline or by trails between the towns of York and Kingston and from the Bay of Quinte. Some of these trails, originally established by indigenous peoples, continue to serve as roads today. Smith’s Creek became a place for trade and commerce due to its situation on the lake, with a good harbour and the Ganaraska River that provided water power for the mills that were constructed. Settlement through Hope Township took place at a slower rate where farming and agriculture were the primary occupations of property owners.

One of the first essential tasks of these early settlers, after building their shelter, was clearing a portion of their land in order to grow crops. Wheat, the most important, was at first traded by barter and it was not until 1826 that the typical farmer could sell any for cash. Not all roads were open for travel and those living in the township had to make their way to town to have their grain milled and purchase goods, which would have been a difficult journey. As things progressed throughout Hope Township and the population increased, mills, churches, schools and businesses arose. Located primarily at the four corners, where concession roads meet the north south roads, villages, hamlets and communities were established. Many of them became prominent centres for purchases and the need to travel to Port Hope decreased. Today many of these villages have disappeared and little remains of the businesses that once thrived. 

Note - this is an excerpt from the Port Hope Rural Driving Tour. Authored by the Port Hope Archives. 

In 1792, they petitioned Governor Simcoe of the First Upper Canada Council for land grants to establish the 5th Township of Hope. A year later, they bought 40 families to settle the area. The river had drawn Walton and Smith here just as it had their First Nations predecessors. The river formed a natural port though which anchor, and was a power source for the newly established grist and sawmills. In the immediate half-century, the area saw a population boom. While small industries continued, Port Hope’s leading source of wealth came from exporting timber, whiskey and grain to the U.S. and Europe. It was during that period that many of the stately homes and buildings were constructed.

By the late 19th century development here slowed as Toronto became an industrial center, the Prairie Bread Basket opened to the west, and the forest were depleted of their timber. Our town continued to slowly mature. While other communities courted heavy industry, Port Hope was content with companies such as ESCO and Davidson Rubber. This fact coupled with the work of fervent champions of historical preservation has resulted in the Port Hope you see today- a place where old buildings live contemporary lives.

Note - this is an excerpt from the Port Hope Self-Guided Walking Tour. Authored by the Port Hope Heritage Business District. 

Known as an author, environmentalist, veteran and philanthropist, Farley Mowat was larger than life. Having moved to Port Hope from Newfoundland in 1967 by sailboat, Mowat left a lasting impression on this town and is celebrated to this day. His 42 literary works have been published in over 60 countries and have captivated generations of readers with tales of perilous northern adventures and humanity's toll on the natural world. A collection of his works can be seen at Furby House Books, where he would host book signings.

Photo courtesy of Farley Mowat Limited

Born in Belleville, Mowat attended the University of Toronto and received a degree in biology before enlisting with the Canadian Forces in World War II. He was discharged with the rank of Captain in 1945. Following an opportunity to research wolves in Canada's northern territories, Mowat became a defender of the natural world. The negative effects of humanity on nature became an intense passion for Mowat. He was not shy to voice his opinions in his books, interviews, and life. At one point, he was not allowed into the United States due to his so-called 'dangerously radical' opinions on environmentalism. Other themes in his work include animals, early Canadian history and his own tumultuous childhood. Five of his works have been made into movies. He remains one of Canada's most celebrated authors and environmentalists, and was cherished in the Port Hope community.

Farley Mowat died on May 6, 2014 at the age of 92 and is buried at St. Mark's Anglican Church Cemetery in Port Hope.

The Boat Roofed House is a local monument dedicated to Farley Mowat. Previously located on private property on Catherine Street, The Boat Roofed House was professionally dismantled and reassembled in East Ganaraska Park. The monument is inspired by Mowat's book, "The Farfarers" as well as historical curved stone foundations found in eastern Canada. Visit the Port Hope Public Library for Mowat's personal book collection and first-edition copies of his works. There's a great view of the Boat Roofed House from Farley's Lookout, a section on the 2nd floor of the library where a bronze bust of Mowat overlooks the Ganaraska River.

The Great Farini is said to have lived the life of ten people. Full of adventure, daring, creativity and invention, The Great Farini never had a dull moment and made the most of every day.

The Great Farini and protegé Lulu (left) who may have been his son, circa 1875

Photo courtesy of the Niagara Falls Public Library

Born in Lockport, New York in 1838, the Great Farini spent his childhood in Bowmanville and Port Hope. Though his parents pushed him to study medicine, Farini knew he was not destined for such a path. Instead, entranced by a tightrope walker he saw in a travelling circus, Farini pursued an incredibly unorthodox life.

His first public stunt took place in 1859 while his strict father was away in England. To breathe new life into the fading Durham County Fair, he crossed the Ganaraska River on a rope 80 feet in the air. His second local stunt is said to have attracted a crowd of 8,000 - nearly twice the population of Port Hope at the time. According to some, mid-walk, Farini stopped and balanced on his head. The Great Farini's life took off after that. He worked on a showboat on the Mississippi river and for a variety of North American circuses. Following a slew of daring high-wire stunts across Niagara Falls (including carrying a washing machine across), Farini became a household name.

The Great Farini lived in the spotlight and spent the bulk of his life performing, exploring, inventing, painting and eventually growing flowers. His exploits took him around the globe. Farini worked creating and performing acts at the Royal Westminster Aquarium in London, England, and explored many countries before the time of airplane travel. His book "Through the Kalahari Desert" describes his supposed discovery of the remains of a lost city in the heart of Africa. Farini is credited with inventing the modern parachute, the circus cannon and the folding theatre seat. An avid horticulturalist in his later life, Farini's best-selling book is titled, "How to Grow Begonias".

With a final residence on Dorset Street, Farini died in Port Hope in 1929 of the flu and is buried in Union Cemetery. His descendants live in Port Hope to this day.

More information can be found in Farini Gardens.