| History Vankleeck's Hill grew from its humble beginnings a century before to become a thriving community in the 1890s. Electricity, telegraph, telephone, rail-progress arrived on the Hill with a bang, bringing new contacts from a larger world. New transportation lines gave local products a wider market. Local business and development received a vigorous boost. Out of this prosperity came a desire for a singular identity. Incorporation, the legal weaning of a town from its township, was the next logical step in the development of Vankleek Hill. It was believed that a political identity, separate from that of West Hawkesbury Township, would attract more industry and enhance the town's image. The first meeting of the town council of the new Corporation of Vankleek Hill was held on May 17th, 1897 with Colonel John Shields as Mayor. The public house of Simon Vankleeck had officially matured into a town. Main Street was
the focal point of this new community. It was home to many of the town's
businesses and fine brick buildings. Take a walk along Main Street as
it was in 1897. Although many of the buildings still exist today, a number
of impressive buildings have disappeared. L'Orignal is on the south bank of the Ottawa River. The settlement began as a river port at the centre of the "Seigneury de la Pointe à L'Orignal" created c.1674. Today it is the Prescott County seat, and provides public wharf services. Longueuil comprises land that touches L'Orignal from three sides. The name came into existence c.1750 when the "Seigneury de la Pointe à L'Orignal" came to the family of the Baron de Longueuil. West Hawkesbury was formed in 1844 when Hawkesbury Township (named after the British Baron of Hawkesbury) was divided into East and West parts. "Van Kleeck's Hill" was founded c.1797 by late Loyalist Simeon Van Kleeck and his wife Cecilia Jaycox . Three centuries ago: the river & roads, social & family ties, farming & commerce began the life-link between L'Orignal, Longueuil, West Hawkesbury, and Vankleek Hill. |