Hanover is a town in the Canadian province of Ontario with a population of about 7,650 residents. It is located in southwestern Grey County, bordering on Bruce County, west of Durham and east of Walkerton on Grey/Bruce Road 4. Hanover has a city hall, police department and the Hanover and District Hospital.
Video Hanover, Ontario
History
In 1849, pioneer Abraham Buck and his family established a farm and tavern on the Saugeen River in the region of modern-day Hanover. Many settlers, most originally German, arrived to the area; a townsite was laid out by 1855. It was earlier called Buck's Crossing and then Adamstown, but was renamed Hanover. Records from 1867, indicate a gristmill, sawmill and carding mill, a foundry and a cabinet factory. Knechtel Furniture Company had opened around that time; the entrerprise had been started in a barn by Daniel Knechtel who came from Waterloo County, Ontario. The company expanded over the years, becoming a large employer; it had locations in Southampton, Ontario and in Walkerton, Ontario and remained in operation until 1983. Other furniture companies also opened in the 1800s, including Sklar-Peppler. Hanover became an incorporated village and 1899 and a town in 1904.
The railway arrived in about 1880 a benefit to factories who now had a way to ship their goods across Canada. By the 1920s, Hanover was known as the Furniture Capital of the country. The town survived the depression and flourished after the Second World War manufacturing furniture, textiles, flour, processed food and kitchen cabinets. Manufacturing declined seriously between 1970 and 2000.
Important settlers included:
- Christian Hassenjager, the first of many German settlers, who was to suggest the name of Hanover;
- Abram Z. Gottwals, a missionary with the Evangelical Church;
- Duncan Campbell, who became postmaster;
- Edward Goodeve, who had one of the first stores;
- Henry Proctor Adams, who built the dam and the first mill and drew up plans for the new village;
- Dr. Landerkin, the first doctor;
- Daniel Knechtel, who started a furniture manufacturing company that became one of the largest in Ontario.
Maps Hanover, Ontario
Demographics
Population trend:
- Population in 2016: 7648
- Population in 2011: 7490
- Population in 2006: 7147
- Population in 2001: 6869
- Population in 1996: 6844 (or 6965 when adjusted to 2001 boundaries)
- Population in 1991: 6711
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 3163 (total dwellings: 3353)
Mother tongue:
- English as first language: 93.5%
- French as first language: 0.9%
- English and French as first language: 0.3%
- Other as first language: 5.4%
Local schools
The first school was privately operated in the home of the teacher, Mrs. Campbell, on the eastern outskirts of the town (Campbell's Corner). When it became overcrowded, classes were held in the Orange Hall.
A new school was opened in 1875, just north of main street. This structure accommodated both elementary students and those studying the first and second years of secondary. Additions were added to the structure in 1884, 1891,1895, and 1905.
Finally, in 1912, a new six room school was built on what is the current site of Hanover Heights Community School. James A. Magee, who had become principal of the previous school in 1905, remained principal for 46 years.
The high school was built in 1924, in the south-west corner of the town, on a site known as Bartrap's Field.
Currently, there are three elementary schools:
- Dawnview Public School,
- Hanover Heights Community school, and
- Holy Family Catholic School.
There is one secondary school, John Diefenbaker Senior School, which has about 700 students drawn from Hanover and neighbouring towns and villages.
Economy
There are many factories and farms, which are the two major employers of the residents. The annual Hanover Homecoming also provides a yearly boost to the local economy. Revenue generated from the Hanover Homecoming can represent up to 90% of Hanover's gross municipal revenue, or approximately four dollars Canadian ($4.00/CND).
West Bros. Furniture Manufacturing
West Bros. Furniture is now Hanover's only furniture manufacturer and a major player in the solid wood furniture market supplying bedroom, dining room, occasional & accent furniture throughout North America, and to External Affairs Canada to furnish the Canadian Embassy residences worldwide. Beginning in 1992 the West Brothers, a family of Ontario furniture manufacturers created a new company located in Hanover.
Dickies Canada Co.
Dickies Canada Co., formerly Buckeye Industries, originated in 1920 as Peerless Textiles of Toronto. The Company expanded its manufacturing base in 1956 by purchasing the existing factory in Hanover. Dickies Canada produces clothing for the work wear industry with traditional matched sets of work shirts and work pants. In addition, the production lines now include jeans and casual wear. Dickies Canada Co. also merchandises a complete outerwear line. Brand names include - Dickies, Kodiak and Terra. A factory outlet has been opened in Hanover. The Distribution Centre/Head Office is located in Toronto. Dickies Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Williamson Dickie Manufacturing Co. of Fort Worth, Texas. Dickies Canada employs 140 local people. In December 2009, Dickies announced that it was closing their manufacturing subsidiary in Hanover, but continuing sales from the Hanover outlet.
Electrical Contacts Ltd.
Founded in 1970, Electrical Contacts Ltd. is a contact material manufacturer, servicing the needs of automobile, appliance and distribution industries. They currently export 80% of their shipments to markets in North America and Asia.
Hanover-Hearth Cabinets
Hanover-Hearth Cabinets (formerly Hanover Kitchens Inc.) was officially founded on June 18, 1952 on the same site of the previously existing two adjacent factories in Hanover. Beginning with only one door style, the company grew to a modern manufacturing facility, offering well over 2,000 possible combinations of styles, woods, finishes and materials. All products were manufactured in the Hanover factories and were sold in Canada, the United States and Japan. Hanover-Hearth Cabinets closed their doors December 21, 2006.
Hanover Racetrack Slots
Ontario's twelfth slots-at-racetrack operation at Hanover Raceway, opened on February 19, 2001. Since opening, the facility has averaged more than 860 patrons daily. Slots at Hanover Raceway is located at 265 5th Street. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 24 hours Friday & Saturday, starting April 1, 2011. There is no smoking on the gaming floor. Slots at Hanover Raceway is operated and managed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Ontario's slots-at-racetrack program ensures the continued viability of the horse racing industry through improved facilities, increased purses, which lead to more horses of better quality, improved racing and more employment throughout the supporting industries. Approximately 90 permanent employees work at Slots at Hanover Raceway. The Town of Hanover receives 5% of the facility's gross slot machine revenue. The funds are used at the discretion of the Municipality. Revenue from Ontario's slots at racetrack facilities as well as charity casinos and lotteries guarantees $100 million annually for the Province's charities. This money is distributed to charities through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Horizon Poultry
Horizon Poultry, a successful poultry industry leader, has been located in Hanover since 1969. They employ approximately 750 people at their four locations, Hanover, St. Marys, Ayr and Kitchener. Hanover is the home of their hatchery and breeder farms. A division of J. M. Schneider Inc. and a division of Maple Leaf Foods, their products are distributed throughout Canada and also exported to many countries under the J. M. Schneider label. Regular capital injections keep this modern facility up to date.
Leeson Canada
Founded in 1978 to provide the Canadian marketplace with AC and DC electric motors LEESON Canada has since grown to become one of this country's major sources for an array of related power transmission components. LEESON Canada operates its own specialized manufacturing plant in Hanover where they produce unusual multi-speed and high-efficiency motors through 350 HP for customers throughout North America.
New-Life Mills Limited
New-Life Mills Limited is a modern automated flour mill. The original mill* in Hanover, constructed over a century ago, had a capacity to stone grind 10 metric tonnes of wheat per day. The present day mill, with its two milling units, grinds over 500 metric tonnes of wheat daily. Some of the wheat stocks are grown locally and the balance comes from western Canada. Flour from the Hanover mill is shipped to bakers, consumers and makers of cake mixes, pasta and other fast and convenience goods. Products are shipped through the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and various countries around the world. Owned by Parrish & Heimbecker.
- Hanover Mill was, in the 1880s, run by the partnership of Horn Brothers [David Stephen and James] who had emigrated from Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland where they, and their father, had run the Allanton Mill.
P & H Foods
P & H Foods, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, operates a turkey processing and further processing plant. This facility has been located in Hanover since 1934 and has operated as a turkey processing plant since 1965. P & H Foods employ 280 plus hourly people and a staff of 25 plus salaried management people. The Hanover Plant processes about 40 million pounds annually and daily volumes embrace about 16,000 turkeys. "Butterball" turkey products are produced at this facility, as well as raw product being supplied to the further processing industry. P & H Foods exports frozen whole and part turkeys worldwide. P & H Foods has invested $8,000,000 within the last seven years in new buildings and equipment because they have continued faith in the Town of Hanover and surrounding district to be able to supply raw materials and labour. Plans for further improvements and expansion are on-going.
Telesat Canada
The world's most experienced satellite operator, Telesat has established itself as a world leader, with over 30 years of experience and a lengthy list of accomplishments that have won international acclaim for Canada. Telesat's satellites have long played a critical role in bridging Canada's vast distances. Telesat ushered in the age of satellite communications with the launch of Anik A1 in 1972 - becoming the first company in the world to place a domestic geostationary communications satellite into commercial service. Since then, Telesat has successfully launched 11 more Anik satellites, as well as Nimiq, a new satellite that brings direct-to-home satellite television to Canadians from coast to coast. Telesat also provides voice and data transmission services that enable telephone companies - such as Bell Canada and NorthwesTel - to extend their services to remote areas of Canada. Telesat operates the largest of its 4,000 earth stations at Allan Park, the nerve centre of its satellite communications network. Located just outside Hanover, this facility employs over 50 staff to provide technical support for its satellites and networks.
Major retailers
Hanover is serviced by major retailing chains such as Canadian Tire, Walmart, Food Basics, Independent Grocery, Rona, Inc., Home Hardware Building Center, Shoppers Drug Mart, LCBO, The Beer Store, Farm Supply, Mark's Work Warehouse, etc. The former Zellers outlet is being converted to a Giant Tiger store.
Climate
Points of interest
Theatres
The Paramount Theatre, located downtown, provides year-round entertainment with the latest movie releases. The Hanover Drive-In Theatre is located at the southeast edge of Hanover and offers summer entertainment for the entire family. Also the Hanover Drive in Theatre is one of only 23 remaining drive-in theatres in Ontario.
Hanover Public Library
Located in the renovated Civic Centre complex in the centre of town, the library has something for everyone, from books to computers, and space to meet, read or study. Internet connected computers and WiFi are available for use by the public. The collection includes a large number of books for all ages, videos on DVD and Blu-ray, magazines and newspapers. Online resources include large collections of free downloadable ebooks, e-audiobooks, and magazines. Audiovisual equipment is available for rent. Library services include quick and in-depth reference; a local history collection including back issues of The Hanover Post (now published as The Post) and censuses of Grey and Bruce counties on microfilm; an online obituary lookup service; pre-school programmes; a shut-in material delivery service; French language books; large print and talking books and CNIB materials for loan. The library actively participates in the Southern Ontario Library Service giving patrons access to a large selection of audiovisual materials and books through inter-library loans.
Hanover Town Park
Hanover Town Park and Campground is located on the banks of the Saugeen River and offers 40 fully serviced campsites. Very popular with town residents, the Hanover Park offers large picnic areas, fishing, a wide variety of playground equipment for children of all ages, and a covered picnic pavilion with kitchen facilities. Many community special events are held in the park providing entertainment and lots of fun for residents and visitors alike. Several smaller parks, playgrounds and baseball diamonds are located throughout the town.
Local media
Hanover has its own community radio station, CFBW-FM 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio.
The Hanover Post was the local newspaper, first established in 1880 and operated until 2005 when it was merged with three other regional newspapers to form The Post.
Notable people
- William Brunt, Canadian Senator, died in a car accident in July 1962.
- Tommy Burns, one time heavyweight world champion boxer.
- Larry Mercey, country music singer, Mercey Brothers band.
- Carl Schaefer (artist), painter, landscape artist.
- Daryl Shane, provincial junior champion curler.
- Patrick Switzer, World champion downhill skateboarder.
- Jamie Warren, country music singer.
- Eric Winkler, politician, served as Ontario cabinet minister, federal Member of Parliament and mayor of Hanover.
References
External links
- Official website
- Hanover Public Library website
- CFBW 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio's website
- Map of Grey County, circa 1951
Source of article : Wikipedia
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