The history of "Amherst View"
Judge William J. Henderson returned from service in World War II expressing the renewed optimism for capitalism that many veterans shared.
Looking to embark on a new venture, he began to sub-divide and develop land he owned west of Kingston in Ernestown Township (now Loyalist Township). The area was scenic, with many homes enjoying a waterfront view of Amherst Island on Lake Ontario. His survey was christened "Amherst View".
Over time, the name was shortened to Amherstview, but the settlement grew to a community now in excess of 8,000 residents. The commercial district boasts restaurants, variety stores and pharmacies, a supermarket, a beer store, and a liquor store, in addition to other retail boutiques and services.
Judge Henderson passed in 2006, but his legacy lives on. The W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre is a premiere facility operated by Loyalist Township Parks and Recreation. The complex contains a pool, ice pad, and library.
Do you have a story to share on the history of Amherstview? Send an e-mail amherstview.ca@gmail.com.
The Great Drowning on Hay Bay - 1819
190 years ago, a tragedy occurred on Hay Bay that would have been an international news story today. Ten souls were lost when a boat ferrying churchgoers across the bay took on water and capsized.
Read the whole story here, as recited from a retrospective article published in the April 30, 1897 edition of the Napanee Beaver:
http://www.sfredheritage.on.ca/thegreatdrowning.html
Hay Bay is 42 km west of Amherstview (about 32 km point to point), in the heart of United Empire Loyalist (UEL) country.
Google Maps - Amherstview to Hay Bay
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