A Short History of Blenheim, Ontario
The Pioneer Era (1785-1885)
At the time of early settlement in 1785, the area north of Lake Erie to the present Highway 401 represented 100 square miles of virgin forest, mixed with bogs, swamps, and beaver meadows. Following the American Revolution in 1783, however, white settlement in all of Ontario peaked as loyalists fled America and flooded the North. Settlers worked hard to clear the land, breaking their backsto pull hundred-year-old tree stumps from the soil.
Development in the early 1900s
By the late 1800s Blenheim's chief industries were associated with agriculture. The Kent Mills Company was producing stock feed and flour. T.L. Pardo operated a sawmill in the 1890s and there were at least two sizable cheese factories. Blenheim was also well-known for onions, beans, and corn- but beans werefirst. Banks, newspapers, and merchant shops were also abundant by the early-1900s. Five hotels offered accommodation and two restaurants advertised meals.
The War Years and Great Depression (1914-1945)
To save on groceries and supplies during these trying times, local families frequently offered acres of land for "welfare growing." Vegetables were grown in these fields and shared with members of the community. The town also bought a 25-acre wood lot during the depression and invited all able-bodied men to cut trees into cordwood. For a while, many families burned this wood instead of coal or gas. Several young men also abandoned their schooling and professions to enlist in the wars. Approximately 600 local men and women volunteered for the war. Sadly, nearly one-third failed to return.
The Post-War Years to the Present
Blenheim is still well-known for its agricultural production. A series of industries have also emerged, producing snow brushes, plastic fuel systems, automotive headrests, and stainless steel parts. Accordingto the May 2001 census record, the population of Blenheim was 4,780. Nearly 16% of these people were65 or over, 48% were male, and less than 5% were under the age of five. There are currently a total of three elementary schools and one high school. The Blenheim News Tribune remains as the prominent newspaper