Port Dover, Ontario
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Port Dover is a small town in the former township of Woodhouse in what is now Norfolk County, Ontario. Located on the north shore of Long Point Bay, south of Simcoe, Ontario on Highway 6.
In 1670 french missionairies François Dollier de Casson and Rene de Brehant de Galinée became the first Europeans to winter at what is now modern day Port Dover. Earthen remains and a plaque mark the spot near the fork of the Lynn River and Black Creek where they and 7 Frenchmen built a hut and chapel.
By 1794 the first settlers, a group of United Empire Loyalists had established a hamlet known as Dover Mills (named Dover Mills after the port of Dover in the English county Kent) which was razed to the ground by the Americans in the War of 1812. Subsequent reconstruction took place closer to the mouth of the Lynn River where a harbour had been in use since the early 1800's and in 1835 Israel Wood Powell, a merchant, registered a village plan for Port Dover. Improvement to the harbour during the next fifteen years made Port Dover a principal Lake Erie port and shipyards, tanneries, and Andrew Thompson's woollen-mill contributed substantially to local economic growth. In 1879 Port Dover, with a population of 1,100 became an incorporated village.
Port Dover in the 20th century became a fishing village and tourist destination, all the while remaining small and quaint. The fishing industry at one time hosted the largest freshwater fishing fleet in the world that employed many of the town’s citizens and continues to be important to the community. From 1906 to 1993, the town was home to Thomas A. Ivey and Sons, one of Canada's largest wholesale florists and rose-growers, and Port Dover's largest employer.
Port Dover joined with the city of Nanticoke in 1974 and as a result gained the benefits of regional government. In 2001, Haldimand and Norfolk Counties were separated and became single-tier counties. Port Dover is now part of Norfolk County.
The town has experienced extreme change, but remains to carry on in an harmonious way. Port Dover's history, environment and the wonderful shore of Lake Erie, ensure that Port Dover will continue to maintain its popularity into the new millennium. In the summer, Port Dover is busy with thousands of tourists who come to swim in Lake Erie and enjoy Port Dover and the surrounding areas.
The most famous place to eat in Port Dover is at the Arbor outdoor restaurant. For more than 80 years, they have served Orange Glows and Cherry Glows instead of pop and their French fries and Arbor dogs are the most famous in Norfolk County.
Since 1981, there has been a tradition of motorcycle enthusiasts gathering in the town on Friday the 13th. Chris Simons and approximately 25 friends, through word of mouth, got together at the Commercial Hotel {The Zoo}, now known as Angelos of Dover. It was in November and it was Friday the 13th. They had such a good time they decided they should do it every Friday the 13th. Every Friday the 13th thereafter, the number of people coming to the event has increased. In May of 2005 an estimated 75000 bikers and spectators crammed into Port Dover to enjoy the day.
Port Dover has a population of about 6,000 people, and is growing rapidly. New subdivisions are being build on the western and eastern sides of town. One elementary school, Port Dover Public School, was closed due to the high cost of maintenance and declining enrolment. The other elementary school , Doverwood, is to the east of the town's centre. Port Dover Composite School, serving students in grades 7 - 12, is currently thriving in the area.
The Port Dover Harbour Museum, housed in an original fisherman's net shanty commemorates Port Dover's fishing industry. The galleries present exhibits on the days of commercial sail as well as Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Ship Building, Long Point, The War of 1812 and other aspects of lakeside life in this unique community.
The museum is also active in the preservation and presentation of local folklore and living traditions, particularly in the areas of fishing and lakeside history. Since 2002, the museum has been the home to a major collection of artifacts from the 1852 wreck of the Steamer Atlantic.
Port Dover is home to the Port Dover Sailors, a junior hockey team that plays in the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
