Finding Cramahe's past: Historical directories and gazetteers
Lakeport
Panels
IntroductionEarly directories, 1799-1850Directories, 1851-1899Directories, 1900-1916Cramahe TownshipCastletonColborneDundonaldEdvilleLakeportMorganstonLinks
History of Directory publishing - Library and Archives CanadaChecklist of Canadian directories, 1790-1950 - Internet ArchiveNineteenth Century Directories as Sources in Canadian Social History by Gareth Shaw, Archivaria
Colborne Harbour description, exhibit, Smith's Canadian gazetteer: comprising statistical and general information respecting all parts of the Upper Province, or Canada West, 1846 Details
Lakeport has had many names attached to it in the past - Port Cramahe, Port of Cramahe, Cramahe Harbour, Colborne Harbour, Cat Hollow and Old Cat Hollow. The village description in the 1846 Smith's gazetteer described Lakeport as being at "the mouth of a small creek" - this creek was originally called as Keeler's Creek, after Joseph Keeler, but today it is known as Colborne Creek. This small settlement boasted a number of businesses.
Colborne Harbour / Port Cramahe / Lakeport description, The Canada directory for 1857-58 Details
The 1857 Canada directory published a lengthy description of Colborne Harbour, clearly recognizing the village's vital status as a port of entry and its significance as long distance transportation hub for both water and rail. Regular steamer passage for travellers and freight between the village and Rochester and Oswego, New York was also noted. The importance of the fishing industry, specifically white fish and salmon trout, was mentioned and many fishermen listed their names in the directory. Donald Connacher and John Shaw owned schooners and Joseph Keeler was a wharfinger. James M. Merriman worked at the customs house. The description also noted that the village was a part of two townships - Cramahe and Haldimand. The eastern edge of Lakeport is in Cramahe Township and the western portion is in Haldimand Township (now Alwick-Haldimand Township).
Port Cramahe / Lakeport description, exhibit, Gazetteer and general business directory for the united counties of Northumberland and Durham, for 1865-6 Details
The 1865 gazetteer noted that Joseph Keeler had built a wharf in Lakeport. Steamers and schooners quickly made Lakeport an important port of call, transforming the village from a settlement into a harbour town. Large shipments of lumber, flour and livestock destined to the United States left through Lakeport's busy waterfront. Exports for 1864-5 were evaluated at over one hundred thousand dollars. A hotel took care of businessmen and shipping crews who needed to stay overnight.
Lakeport description, exhibit, Ontario Gazetteer and Business Directory: 1884-5 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Ontario Gazetteer and Business Directory: 1884-5 Details
The village description in the 1884 Ontario Gazetteer noted Lakeport's close proximity to Colborne. It detailed information about land travel and communications - specifically the cost of the daily stage, the Grand Trunk railway station, daily mail delivery, and the availability of a relatively recent invention - the telephone - with service between Lakeport and Colborne. Caleb Southon established himself as a general merchant, his business appeared in directories right up until 1916. The family names of Redfearn and McGlennon also appeared in business listing. No mention of Lakeport's harbour capacities were made in this directory.
Lakeport description, exhibit, Ontario gazetteer and business directory, 1886-7 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Ontario gazetteer and business directory, 1886-7 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Union Publishing Co's Farmers' & Business Directory for the counties of Durham, Northumberland, Peterborough, and Victoria 1886-7 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Farmers' and Classified Business Directory for the Counties of Durham, Northumberland, Peterboro and Victoria for 1890 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Farmers and Business Directory for the Counties of Durham, Northumberland, Peterboro and Victoria and Districts of Haliburton, Muskoka Nipissing and Parry Sound, 1897-8. Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Dominion of Canada and Colony of Newfoundland Gazetteer and Classified Business Directory, 1899 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Ontario Commercial Year Book and Gazetteer: 1906 Details
Lakeport description, exhibit, Ontario Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1910-11 Details
The stage now leaves twice to Colborne.
Lakeport description, exhibit, 1916-17 Vernon's Directory - Durham, Haliburton, Northumberland, Ontario, Peterborough, and Victoria counties. Details
As mentioned elsewhere, the village descriptions in directories and gazetteers become quite sparse from the 1880s. The listing of businessmen and their occupations, however, provides some context about village life during this period.
