Hamlet of Westmeath
The
hamlet of Westmeath overlooks
the Lower Allumette Lake and
its name comes from a county
in Ireland. The first settler
in Westmeath was George Washington
Tucker who owned a large section
of the hamlet as shown on a
survey plan dated 1875
.In the early
days, Westmeath was situated
on the busy portage route to
the lumber camps and the hamlet
grew as settlers moved into
the surrounding area. It had
several blacksmith shops, a
carriage shop where wagons and
buggies were built, a harness
shop, a tailor’s shop,
a shoemakers shop and a barber
shop. The Acheson House was
the first hotel. There also
were several general stores
in which the farmers could sell
or trade their produce locally.
In later
years, Westmeath boasted one
of the first covered arenas
in this rural area. Today, the
hamlet of Westmeath provides
residents with a rural lifestyle
yet it offers the convenience
of two small elementary schools,
several churches and an arena/community
hall all within its boundaries.
For further information about Westmeath and its Recreation Association, visit www.westmeathtoday.ca |
|
|
|
