top of page

Claremont

Book 1938 - Claremont Past & Present

Author Mrs. G. M. Forsyth, written 1938

 

CLAREMONT PAST AND PRESENT Historic Sketch 28 pages written upon occasion of the CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION June (10th, 11th, 12th,)  year 1938.

Book 1970 -Claremont Women's Institute Tweedsmuir History

Written 1970

 

Spiral bound scrapbook 22 x 35 cm., 134 pages compiled by the Claremont Women's Institute c. 1970. This book is a collection of Claremont photographs, Claremont newspaper articles, Claremont family histories, Claremont church and community histories and much more. 

Book 1974 - From Paths to Planes

Lillian Gauslin & son Ron

Book written December 1974

 

The author of the Claremont Book called 'From Paths To Planes' is Lillian M. Gauslin.  Without a doubt Lillian's book has been a reference for the town's history and her priceless photos in her book allows the valuable memories of our hamlet to continue to live on. She dedicated the book to her son Ron.

 

"To our son Ronald whose interest in the past has been an inspiration to me."

    

Businesses Near The Railroad Tracks

Historic Information Supplied by Frank Taylor

 

1) Mildred Taylor and Harold Loyst's home was at the station road area where they ran a number of businesses including a chicken canning factory then later a butcher shop, a frozen food locker, an egg grading station and a general store at this location.

2) The Williamsons' ran a tomato canning factory on the north side of the tracks with the Co-op on the west side of the Brock road. 

 

It is likely a large part of the history not many know about or at least remember.

                                                                            - Frank Taylor 

 

If any of our residents have photos of these businesses, please share them! 

Claremont, Ontario Canada

 

  • Part of the Town of Pickering, Region Municipality of Durham, on C. Rds. 1 & 5, 46 km. NE of Toronto.

  • The community settled in the early 1840s

  • Town was first called Noble's Corners because of Thomas Noble's grocery store.

  • In 1851 a post office was opened and called Claremont

  • The name was suggested by W. H. Mitchell, who handled conveyancing for the settlers by walking to Toronto to register documents. Claremont in France was his ancestral home

Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson

January 3, 1887 - August 18, 1982

 

Dr. Tomlinson was a valued asset to this community and in early years would travel miles by foot, snowshoe, horse and buggy and later, in a Model T Ford to visit patients in north Pickering. He practiced medicine for 56 years until age 90. He received thanks from hundreds of friends at his 90th birthday. Many lives were saved by this gentle man. He helped the injured and was there at the birth of many babies born in the area. He was also in charge of those with scarlet fever who were quarantined and he stayed isolated in the Masonic Hall until they were well. 

Keith Norton

January 26, 1941 - January 31, 2010

 

Grew up in Claremont as one of the many Nortons, died of galloping cancer. 

Keith Norton championed human rights, so that gays, lesbians, seniors, visible minorities and the disabled and poor would be treated equally. Norton, who died  at the age of 69, served as both chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and president of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. "At age 14, I told my family what I believed to be the case of my sexual orientation and they were incredibly supportive," he said in 1997, Openly gay – he came out to the public in 1990.

School House

Claremont Public School

 

(1841-original building) (1865-rebuilt) (1920-torn down) (1921-current building) (2017 - Renovations)

Do you know what year the public school expansion occurred providing a library, office and gymnasiam?  (If you know the answer please email us).  Prior to the expansion, Kindegarten was held at the Claremont Community Hall. 

Store Burns Down

Claremont General Store  (2009)

 

The Claremont General Store currently owned by Daniel Park burned down to the ground in 2009.  Jim and Esther Curtis owned the Corner Store,1959-1971. Paul & Doris Lake owned it sometime after that, not sure of the exact years. After the fire a temporary store location was created adapting a nearby garage of a home.  In 2012 the Claremont General Store was rebuilt with the exterior replicating the original design. 

Strange Invaders (Filmed in Claremont) 

Movie Released 1983

 

This movie was filmed in Claremont.  In the movie Claremont was to look like the 1950's and the town was called Centerville. We know many of the Claremont residents were 'extras' in the movie and local homes can be seen in the movie.  If you have photos or stories about the happenings and events during the filming of this movie, please email them to us at claremontenquirer@yahoo.ca 

  

Tommy Thomson (Artist) 

Famous Claremont Resident

Life : August 5, 1877 - July 8, 1917

 

Born in a house located just outside of Claremont Ontario Canada. Canada's most famous oil painting artist.  He did not belong to the 'Group of Seven' but was instead their inspiration, more as their leader and teacher.  Tommy left Claremont after 3 months of age, grew up in Owen Sound, and fell in love with Algonquin Park.  It was at the Park he drew scenery which truly represents the Canadian Lakes and Trees.  He was murdered at Algonquin Park at thre age of 39.  His fiance was believed to have been carrying his child, and his murder was made to look like a drowning.  The mystery was never solved.

UFO Sightings (in Claremont) 

July 20, 1960 and December 10th, 2011

 

Can you believe there have been 2 separate UFO sightings in Claremont, over 50 years apart by 2 different people. Actually there have been 3 sightings but only 2 have been officially reported. 

 

bottom of page