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story Alex Sahounov Clarkson and Streetsville are two villages that evolved through ingenuity and hard work. Warren Clarkson and Timothy Street would be shocked to see how different present-day Clarkson and Streetsville are from the two settlements that dotted Lake Ontario and the Credit River in their time. A walk through both villages will reveal a treasure trove of historical locations and properties for those eager to learn more about their histories. Clarkson, an immigrant from New York, came to Canada in 1808 to seek his fortune along the banks of Lake Ontario. A settlement had begun a year before and Clarkson worked hard and bought a home. He then went on to build the community’s first store and post office. Years later, the town council would rename the stagecoach trail by his store “Clarkson Road” in honour of his efforts. Street, who also moved from New York as a young adult with his family, took advantage of a contract to survey newly available land acquired from the Mississaugan natives. Street recognised the value and importance of settlement along the Credit River and initiated construction of the first industries in the area in 1818. The success stories of the two men spurred development. Families soon started moving to Clarkson and Streetsville to settle. The villages both existed as long, narrow areas running along a central road (Clarkson Road and Queen Street). Both were eventually amalgamated in 1974 when Mississauga became a city. Since then, they have both prospered while representing the spirit of history and development in Mississauga. Both villages feature historical landmarks harkening to an era long past. Clarkson is home to both of the city’s museums, Bradley Museum and Benares House, which provide a look into the lives of early settlers in Ontario. The Clarkson General Store, one of the few remaining structures from the early development of the village, was operated by the Clarkson family until 1908, then became a locally operated store and post office that made baskets for local farmers. While Clarkson was known as “The Strawberry Capital of Ontario” for its commercial fruit farming, Timothy Street built a significant milling industry that still thrives to this day. Streetsville’s heritage is represented through the largest concentration of historic properties in the city. Its annual Bread and Honey Festival celebrates the village’s involvement with milling. The Streetsville Cenotaph is a memorial for the local residents who died during the First World War. Trinity Anglican Church, built in 1843, was kept in use for over 150 years until a fire burnt it to the ground in 1998. The church was rebuilt two years later and continues to serve the Streetsville community. Hazel McCallion, the mayor of Streetsville from 1970 to 1973, went on to become mayor of Mississauga in 1978. She still calls Streetsville her home. Clarkson and Streetsville recently celebrated important milestones. Clarkson reached its 200th anniversary in 2008 and Streetsville celebrated its 140th. Both events were great successes, showcasing how far both communities have come since their formation. Here’s hoping the next two hundred years are just as prosperous.  GL

The Clarkson Train Station Photo courtesy of Heritage Mississauga The village sign on Lakeshore Benares House on Clarkson Road is a museum today. It provides a look into the lives of early settlers Photo by Peter McCusker