Seaforth, Ontario, a community nestled in the heart of Southern Ontario, is a hidden gem in the municipality of Huron East, Huron County. With a population of 2,673 as of 2021, this quaint town offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and local attractions.
Seaforth's history is as rich as it is intriguing. Initially known as Four Corners and Steene's Corners, the area was acquired by brothers Christopher and George Sparling, who anticipated the construction of the Buffalo, Brantford and Goderich Railway. Developer James Patton of Barrie purchased the land and laid out a townsite in 1855. The name 'Seaforth' may have been derived from the Scottish Seaforth Highlanders regiment or Loch Seaforth in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
A post office was established in Seaforth in 1859, followed by incorporation as a Village in 1868 and as a Town in 1874. In 2001, Seaforth was amalgamated with Brussels, Grey Township, McKillop Township, and Tuckersmith Township to form the Municipality of Huron East.
In September 1876, a fire broke out in Mrs. Griffith's Candy and Grocery Store, destroying 12 acres of the business section. However, the town rebounded, and Main Street was rebuilt with the brick and block structures that stand today.
In 1984, Seaforth's Main Street was designated as a Heritage Conservation District due to its distinguished late 19th-century architecture. This architectural composition of two-storey brick buildings is unique in its uniformity of scale and character. Through grants and local support, property owners have been encouraged to restore and preserve the architectural characteristics of their buildings. This initiative ensures that this valuable resource continues to be an asset to the community and a comforting reminder of Seaforth's history.
Seaforth's Main Street is one of the province's finest examples of commercial architecture from the nineteenth century, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
The Van Egmond Reserve, built by the eldest son of Colonel Anthony Van Egmond in 1846, is a prime example of Georgian architecture and Classical Revival styles. The house was restored with assistance from the Ontario Heritage Trust, and the bricks used were handmade on the property. The variance in colour in the exterior walls indicates that the home was built over an extended period of time.
The house and grounds were saved from demolition and a housing development in the early 1970s by a group of community volunteers. It was recognized as an Ontario Heritage property, and signs indicative of that direct travelers to the Reserve. The Province of Ontario supported the restoration of the property and will become its owners should the local Van Egmond Foundation discontinue its work. The Foundation continues to raise funds and to ensure the property is recognized as a local resource attempting to preserve the history of the early settlement and development of the region. Overlooking the Bayfield River, the grounds are a rural retreat offering a quiet spot for a picnic.
In many ways, Seaforth is the quintessential small Ontario town. The Victorian streetscape stands as a testament to the town's rich history and all the image and influences that make rural Ontario and its hierarchy of small urban centres unique.
