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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 17, 2008 - 39 SIMON CHANG Discover Downtown Oakville's rich history Downtown Oakville is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ontario. There is something new to try and enjoy around every corner, on any day. However, Downtown Oakville is more than a relaxing atmosphere and sought-after destination, it is a historic landmark with an interesting past. The Downtown core is home to many historic sites, one of which is the harbour. In 1827, Colonel William Chisholm (1788-1842) bought 960 acres of land from the Crown at the mouth of the Sixteen Mile Creek on Lake Ontario to establish a port, shipbuilding yard, and the village of Oakville. This location gave promise for a centre for trade, commerce, and travel. And so today the harbours of Downtown Oakville remain prominent and remind us of the goals for our town and the man who made a difference, Colonel William Chisholm. Today, the life and exploits of Colonel William Chisholm stand immortalized in Oakville's Erchless Estate. It is a four-acre estate home and gardens set on the shores of Lake Ontario in Downtown Oakville. The Museum preserves and interprets the town's history through the heritage and home where William Chisholm himself raised a family. Erchless was home to six generations of the Chisholm family over a period of 130 years. Today, visitors to the Oakville Museum can take a guided tour of Erchless, the Chisholm Family Home, (c.1858), which is authentically restored to the elegance of its 1925 appearance. The Erchless Estate is not the only preserve from our town's history. The Custom House, built in 1856 by Robert Kerr Chisholm (1819-1899), holds museum exhibitions and a Pioneer Discovery Gallery for students to enjoy. Other heritage properties such as the Old Post Office and Thomas House are located in Downtown Oakville and stand to signify the birth of our town. The downtown core is not just a seasonal attraction, but a year-round spectacle. It is a productive, active, and central hub of Oakville life all 12 months of the year and no one knows this better then those lucky enough to live along its historic streets. Still standing are the homes dating back to the earliest settlers that make downtown the historic village that it is. Preserved in their glory, these homes tie us to our forbearers and remind us to conserve for the citizens of tomorrow. As Oakville continues to age, downtown will stay a main attraction for all those who visit. The harbours, museums, and historic streets are areas of emphasis within Oakville and reflect where we came from and where we are going. Com es e eo w look r ne u 312 Lakeshore Rd. E. Downtown Oakville 905.815.9130 MEN'S & LADIES SHEARLING EVENT TOMORROW Saturday, October 18 9-5 p.m. NO PST OR GST · Special Orders · Additional Inventory · Door Prizes · Refreshments 209 LAKESHORE ROAD EAST Downtown Oakville (905)845-2031 www.barringtons.ca Mon - Fri: 9-6 Sat: 9-5 Sun: 12-5 Downtown Oakville Bloor & Bay Manulife Centre Sherway Gardens Bayview Village Shopping Centre Yonge & Eglinton e-Boutique at www.RonWhite.ca