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PORT HOPE
County of Durham Directory 1869-70
An incorporated town in the township of Hope, situated in a valley surrounded by fine sloping
hills, at the mouth of Smith's Creek, which gives it one of the best harbours on the north shore
of Lake Ontario, from which a larger amount of lumber and other produce is shipped annually
than from any other place of its size in the Province. It is known as the county town,
but as a
union exists between Northumberland and Durham, the county buildings are situated in Cobourg,
the county seat of Northumberland. It was formerly known as Smith's Creek, but in 1820, the
name was changed to Port Hope. It was first settled by Mr Myndert Harris in 1792 or 1793.
The first store was opened by Mr Jeremiah Britton, in 1815, and the Post Office was established
in 1817 or 18, Mr Charles Fothergill being the first Postmaster, who, in a short time, was succeeded
by Mr David Smart, who held the office until his death, a period of nearly 49 years, and he was
succeeded by his son, Col R W Smart, the present Postmaster. The fine water-power supplied by
Smith's Creek causes it to be somewhat noted for its manufactories, among which I may mention
4 flour mills, 2 foundries, 2 planing mills, 1 button factory, 1 woollen mill, 3 tanneries, and several
other works of less note, its water-power combined with its excellent facilities for shipping, via the
harbour and the Grand Trunk Railway, which passes through the southern portion of the town,
and the Port Hope, Lindsay & Beaverton Railway which terminates here, must make it a place
of great importance in time to come.
The public buildings are: a Town Hall and Market House, erected of brick in 1852, entire cost with
bell and clock about $7000. A Battalion drill-shed of wood, built in 1867, at the cost of about $2200.
The schools are, a united Grammar and Common, with two Primary ones, situated in different parts
of the town, together with a branch of Trinity College, known as the Trinity College School; the Union
and College schools each have a drill association connected with them, to perfect the youth in
military exercises, as well as in the other educational branches. There are two Volunteer Infantry
Companies, Nos 1 and 2, of the 46th Battalion, the former of which is commanded by Capt F A Benson,
and the latter by Capt Thos Craig. There is also a company of Garrison Artillery, under the command
of Capt S Sculthorp, and last though not least, one of light Cavalry, commanded by Col R W Smart.
Connected with the 46th Battalion is an excellent brass band, under the able leadership of
Prof W Philp, and I might here add that this band is one of the best in Ontario. The town also has
two fire engine companies.
The civil societies are represented by 3 Masonic Lodges, Nos 26 and 114, with a Royal Arch Chapter,
not yet numbered. The Orange body have four lodges, Nos 44, 141, 309 and 532, as well as the St
George's and St Andrew's Societies; also the IOGT have a lodge, No 142. The Young Men's Christian
Association, and Bible Society, each have rooms. The East Durham and township of Hope Agricultural
as well as the Port Hope Horticultural Societies, hold their fairs in the town.
The Montreal Telegraph and the Montreal Union and Canadian Express Cos have an office. The Ontario,
Toronto, Montreal and Royal Canadian Banks, each have agencies, all said to be doing a large business.
There are two Churches of England, one of which was built in 1818; one Roman Catholic, built of brick in
1852, at the cost of about $10,000; one Scotch Presbyterian, built of brick in 1860, at the cost of about
$3000; one Canada Presbyterian, of brick in 1865, at the cost of $8000; one United Presbyterian, of brick
in 1864, at the cost of $8000; one Wesleyan Methodist, of wood in 1862, at the cost of $4000; a Baptist, of
brick in 1867, costing about $9000; and a Bible Christian Chapel.
There are three weekly papers published in the place, viz: The British Canadian, J B Trayes, editor and
publisher, The Port Hope Guide, Messrs Johnston, editors and publishers, and the Port Hope Mercury,
Robt Romaine, editor and proprietor, all of which have a large circulation throughout this and the
adjoining counties. The streets are wide and spacious, and lighted with gas. The mercantile business
of the place is very extensive, while the mechanical branches are not neglected. The hotel
accommodation is not surpassed by any town of its size in Canada. Daily mail. A money order and
savings bank office. Distance from Toronto 63 miles, Montreal 270 miles. Population about 5000.
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