www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, January 13, 2012 · 20 Get to know downtown a little better 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 (17881842) 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 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 f 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 f 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. Come in for a no obligation foot and gait analysis Open Tuesday-Sunday · Closed Monday 213 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville 2 doors east of the Scotia Bank (905) 339-FOOT (3668) 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 Winter Sale FURS · LEATHERS · SHEARLINGS CLOTH COATS · ACCESSORIES Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence Excellence personifies Canadian Sound. We W have established a reputation for not only the latest in technology, but have also earned a reputation as a leader in providing service that is second to none. Our highly trained personnel will provide you with solutions that are not only right for you, but will ensure that all your expectations have been exceeded. 30-50 % OFF life sty le lighti ng sound Entire Winter Inventory No price adjustments on previous purchases. securit y 209 L A K E S H O R E ROA D E A S T Downtown Oakville (905) 845-2031 www.barringtons.ca Monday-Friday 9-6 · Saturday 9-5 · Sunday 12-5 exclusive de d alers r of o