The settlement of Glen Williams is connected to Georgetown, thanks to the ties between each community’s founding family. Before coming to Esquesing, Elizabeth Kennedy, sister of the Kennedy brothers, married Benajah Williams. Elizabeth Williams, Benajah’s daughter, married Charles Kennedy.

Once the Kennedy’s established themselves in the area, Benajah and Elizabeth also moved to Esquesing Township. They were most likely motivated by their familial connections. They established a settlement and called it Williamsburg. Benajah built a mill, and a small village began to flourish around it.

Early settlers rented accommodations from “Squire” Williams. Samuel Watkins’ general store in Ashgrove had accounts for many of the first settlers until a store opened in Williamsburg. When a post office opened in 1852, the village’s name changed to Glen Williams. By this time, there was also a schoolhouse, many mills, a tannery, cabinet makers, pump makers, shingle makers, and more.

Beaumont Knitting Mill employees, c. 1893. EHS00030, Esquesing Historical Society. Click on the image for more details.

Yet it is the wool mill industry that Glen Williams became known for. The most well-known is the Beaumont Knitting Mill built by Samuel Beaumont in 1882. It was operated by the family until 1957 when it was sold and later closed in 1982. Sykes and Ainley, and Penrice and Graham also operated mills in Glen Williams’ past.

The beauty of the Glen even caught the attention of A.J. Casson, a Group of Seven member, in the 1930s. The village is featured in several of his paintings.

Many of the historic buildings, such as Beaumont Knitting Mill, the Town Hall and Wheeler’s General Store, have been repurposed. Today, Glen Williams is home to a thriving community of artists and has many popular studios, restaurants, and shops.

Glen Williams Town Hall

Glen Williams was never incorporated as a village but in 1870, the idea of a community hall was discussed in the home of Charles Williams. Financial support came from the Glen Temperance Society. The deed was drawn up on May 8, 1871 between Charles Williams and nine trustees, with Williams paid $1 for the property.

Meeting notes from the Trustee Board of the Glen Williams Town Hall, February 4, 1890. MG7 A4, Esquesing Historical Society. Click on the image for more details.

The building was first used by the Temperance Society. Then the Wesleyan Methodists and Anglicans also held services there. As Glen Williams’ population grew, the hall was also required as an auxiliary classroom for several years. In the 1960s, it was a popular destination for teen dances.

By the 1970s, the old hall had become quite run down and so in 1974, it was decided that it would be renovated and reopened on July 1, 1976.