The Evolution of the Avon River

The Avon River was the reason Stratford came into being as a fresh water supply for weary settlers. In the founding year, 1832, the river was a stump-filled stream known as the  Little Thames because it fed the larger river of the same name. The Canada Company immediately set about building a wooden dam in the vicinity of the present Orr dam to create a millpond for water power to drive a gristmill and a sawmill. For the first 50 years of Stratford's existence, the river served mainly utilitarian purposes. The Avon river provided the main water supply and before long, what is now the west end of Lakeside Drive, became crowded with factories, warehouses and shacks. 

By the 1880s, water power was falling into disuse and the dam burst to lay bare the dirty river bottom. By this time there was a committee of citizens working to rebuild the dam and clean up the river. In 1886, The Beacon said, "Victoria Lake is now an accomplished fact." The "dreary waste" had been replaced by a "sheet of water which will be a thing of beauty and a joy forever." 

This 1848  map  below was done by  surveyor Donald MacDonald. The maps shows the river was called River Avon and  Lake Victoria was just a small body of water called Mill Pond. There was no bridge crossing over from Waterloo Street or a dam. Waterloo Street did not carry on across the river to the north side . The north side street was called Wellesley Street.  The first Huron Street bridge is shown. Stratford-Perth Archives

The Canada Company recognized the geographical location of the river  as being an important site. A wooden bridge was built over the Avon, Huron Road and a wooden dam built just beyond it. 

In 1885 Mayor, William Gordon, seeing the areas potential, suggested the city buy the Millpond property and turn it into a park. Unfortunately, negotiations with the owners floundered in the lake was eventually sold for $400 to a private group called itself the Victoria Lake syndicate they were immediately called the " a damn syndicate" by people who fell the lake should be public property, it was the beginning of a tenuous error in the rivers history.

A new syndicate purchased part of the  lake from the owner, Mr. McCullock . The Victoria Lake Syndicate was composed of local capitalists headed by McFarlane, ( see McFarlane St.)  John Corrie, A. J. Bailey, Judge J. P. Woods ( see Woods St. ) and G. G. McPherson. This group was responsible for the newly structured dam.  The first major project of the syndicate was the cleanup of the Millpond. This was completed by November 19, 1886 in the newly created lake Victoria was presented to the public. people 

By 1899 the lake Victoria Company was seriously considering draining the lake and setting the land for building lots  The property was finally sold for 10,000 to the newly created board of Board of Park management.  Source: A Stratford Album by Mary Jane Lennon

Lake Victoria Dam break aftermath from north bank.  In 1937 a raging flood destroyed the dam and Pergola.   Thomas Orr said the convergence of feeder streams had caused tributaries  to overflow. He believed there needed to be a multi-pronged approach by all municipalities in the Thames Valley to prevent flooding and conserve water  In 1943 the provincial government passed the Thames River Control Act. Four years later, through the efforts of Orr and others, the the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) was created officially.  

One phase of the Stratford flood control plan was the dredging of Lake Victoria, which happened in  1964. The crowning glory of the control project was Stratford’s new dam, built to replace the one that had stood, at times not well, for 50 years. The new dam was officially christened in October 1967 and, fittingly, was named in honour R. Thomas Orr. Source: Taken from book by Diane Sewell:   R. Thomas Orr, A Lifetime Devoted to Stratford. Thanks to Rick Orr

Stratford's original boathouse was built by the parks board in 1913. In part, it was designed to help deflate the Canadian Pacific Railway's intent to run a tracks along the north shore of the Avon.  (see below).

In the summer of 1965 Ed Herr and Bruce Holmes leased the city's boat house . They were not going for that kind of venture but they were interested in securing more on-water training for their sea cadets. Edd and Jack signed a five-year lease calling them to pay the parks board $825 a year. They also got $500 from the park board for purchase of three paddle boats and 14 canoes. Thus, H and H boats became Stratford's newest business.  At their own expense they painted and renovated the boathouse.   Source: text and pictures Dean Robinson's book 42 Wellington,The music and the memories.  A plaque was placed in front of the boathouse in memory of Edward Herr

Dr. Edward Henry Eidt was one of four men most responsible for developing the city's park system.  (Read how Eidt saved the day) . The others included  Thomas J. Dolan (see Dolan Dr.), a newspaper man and member of the parks board; George McLagan (see McLagan Drive) a furniture manufacturer who donated money and land for the cause; R. Thomas Orr  ( see Orr Street ) who led the fight to stop the railway along the river; and Dr. Edward Henry Eidt (see Cambria Street), whose civic accomplishments are highlighted by his push for and the creation of that parks board. The city has yet to honour Henry Eidt with a street name. Source: book R. Thomas Orr, A Life Devoted to Stratford.  

 Regattas were popular events held in the early 1900s. The first regatta was sponsored by the Fraternal Association and expanded from 1909 athletic day which did not include water activities.  These classic pictures show  regattas in progress. A regatta featured aquatic contests such as swimming races, boat races and greased pole contests and a duck hunt. These competitions followed by an illuminated parade of decorated boats usually canoes or rowboats, lit by Chinese lanterns. There were at least 8 regattas between 1910 and 1927.   See more:  Regattas by Carolynn Bart-Riedstra  Stratford- Perth Archives

Dam Bridge 1930     The bathhouse in background right.  Photo: Vince Gratton