Camden East, Ontario, is a charming village nestled in the Municipality of Stone Mills. Located east of Greater Napanee in Lennox and Addington County, this quaint Canadian village is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
In the early 1800s, Camden East was home to some of the first settlers in Ontario. Albert Williams, the son of a United Empire Loyalist family, was one of the first to settle in the area in 1800. The first sawmill was built in 1818 on the Napanee River by Abel Scott, who later sold the rights to Samuel Clark. Clark moved the mill to what is now known as Camden East, adding a wool mill and a grist mill, and the community was initially called Clark's Mills.
In 1832, the post office was built, and the name was changed to Camden East, named after the township organized in 1787. The township was named in honor of Charles Pratt, Earl of Camden, and Lord Chancellor of Great Britain in the late 18th century.
At its peak, Camden East was a bustling town with four hotels, several stores, mills, a carriage factory, a cheese factory, and various tradespeople. However, the town's population significantly decreased after the mills closed in the 1950s.
Despite the decline, Camden East still boasts several historic buildings. Samuel Clark's house, built in the rare stacked plank construction style, still stands. While the exact date of construction is unknown, it is believed to be contemporary with the original mills of the 1820s. The house also contains three examples of the Rumford fireplace.
Other notable buildings include the old schoolhouse at the south end of town, featuring an 1857 bell from the Meneely Bell Foundry in the cupola, and Haydon's General Store, a limestone building at the main intersection. The Williams House, an 1881 stately home built by Lorenzo Dow Williams after he returned from the California gold rush, is another architectural gem.
Camden East was also the birthplace of Harrowsmith magazine, founded by James M. Lawrence in 1976. Lawrence also founded Equinox magazine and the publishing company Camden House Publishing Ltd in Camden East. The Harrowsmith headquarters was in the Williams house, while Harrowsmith Bookstore was located in the limestone building that used to be Haydon's General Store.
In recent years, Camden East has faced natural disasters. A tornado cut through the town in the mid-afternoon of August 2, 2020, damaging property, destroying dozens of trees, and ripping the roof off the former bank building that housed the daycare and post office.
Despite these challenges, Camden East, Ontario, remains a testament to the resilience and rich history of the region. Its historical buildings, unique heritage, and charming village atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and tourists alike.
