Descendants of Wallbridge veterans from left, Lana Sharpe daughter of Flt. Lt. Roy Woods, Ernst Kuglin grandson of Col. Roscoe Vanderwater DSO, and Wood’s daughter Laura Ann Carleton, May 18, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
A major part of the history of the former Sidney Township was revealed in a ceremony at Old Sidney Town Hall Park Wednesday.
Four historic plaques were unveiled at the park to commemorate Wallbridge’s heritage, funded by the Sidney Reserve Fund’s park improvement program.
Two pertain to the military background of the community.
The No. 3 Company 49th Regiment Hastings Rifles was formed in 1866 when Canada was threatened by attacks from the Irish-American Fenian raiders.
A second plaque honours some decorated war veterans of WWI and WWII.
The third commemorates the Sidney Town Hall Cheese and Butter Manufacturing company which won seven out of nine gold medals for best cheddar cheese in the world.
The fourth plaque honours Wallbridge as home of Ontario’s oldest municipal government.
Two former employees in the Wallbridge cheese industry, at left, Bob Donaldson and right, Glenn Lane unveil the plaque representing industry. Alec McNaught, middle, and Quinte West deputy mayor Jim Alyea look on, May 18, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Quinte West Deputy Mayor Jim Alyea.
Belleville historian Gerry Boyce says a reward is still out for a photo of the old town hall.
