Time For A Visit To Another Town

It’s been awhile since I took you on a tour to another area, so let’s head over to beautiful Perth, a town located on the Tay River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario, Canada.

 

 

With its population of about 5,800 residents, Perth is located about an hour away from where I live, but it took us much longer to get there since we stopped every few minutes along the country roads so I can take photos. Of barns. Of animals. Of whatever caught my eye. Or my husband’s eye. He actually watched for interesting photo opportunities and pointed them out to me. You gotta love a partner that will do that for you.

 

 

According to information from Wikipedia, “Perth was established as a military settlement in 1816, shortly after the War of 1812. Many of the first settlers were military veterans on half pay, while others were military veterans from France, Germany, Poland. Italy, Scotland or Ireland who were offered land in return for their service.”

 

 

Also according to Wikipedia, “near the town is the home of world show jumping champion Ian Millar and Millar Brooke Farm where his great horse Big Ben (1976–1999) is buried.” Big Ben was a famous show jumping horse that won world championships, and went to the Olympics, on behalf of Canada. In 2005, the town erected a bronze life-sized statue of the horse (Big Ben) with Ian Miller riding, in John A. Stewart Park on the banks of the Tay River in the downtown area. The photos in this post are taken in that park, but unfortunately, I don’t have a shot of this statue. Next time...

 

 

While researching for information, I also discovered that “Perth is also the site of the first installation of a telephone other than Bell's experimental installations. A town dentist, Dr. J. F. Kennedy, a friend of Alexander Graham Bell, installed a direct telephone connection between his home and office. By 1887, there were 19 telephones in Perth, with a switchboard in Dr. Kennedy's office.” Pretty cool info, huh?

 

 

Perth is a modern community with old-world charm that is well worth a visit. Because we took so long to get there as we dilly-dallied on country roads, we didn’t have enough time to explore more of the area. We spent the vast majority of our visit hanging around the park. So, I guess we have no choice but to return at some point. Works for me.

 

 

John A. Stewart Park with its majestic maples, beautiful gardens with summer blooms and the serene and historic Tay River is one of the most picturesque parks I’ve ever run across.

 

 

While sitting on a bench in this five acre park, we had the rare opportunity to glimpse a bat flying around within a few feet of us, and then dive down and skim the surface of Tay River several times to get its fill of water. Apparently, this is how they drink. It was one of the most amazing things to witness. Truly, a once in a lifetime experience.

 

 

We spent a limited amount of time in this area, but it made a huge impact on us. I hope you enjoyed the quick glimpse of Perth, Ontario; one of Canada’s prettiest towns.