Welcome to RTHS
The Rideau Township Historical Society (RTHS) was formed in 1974, the same year the historic townships of North Gower and Marlborough were joined to form Rideau Township. The RTHS mission is to "preserve the past to enrich the future" by increasing awareness of and access to the history of the former Rideau Township, which was amalgamated into the City of Ottawa in 2001.
The symbols in the RTHS crest (see above) reflect the pursuits of the early settlers in the area. As illustrated in the images at right, river transport and commerce, forestry, agriculture and livestock were the essential ingredients that enabled the founding townships of North Gower and Marlborough to realize Peace, Plenty and Progress.
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What Would You Like to Do Today?
RTHS News, Events & Interests
Upcoming Events
Excursion to Tour the SS Keewatin
at the Great Lakes Maritime Museum
Kingston, ON
Featured Article
Burritt's Rapids: An Historic Village on the Rideau
Source: This article originally appeared in the October 2012 edition of the RTHS Newsletter. It was written by Lucy Martin, based on a presentation by Brad Smith.
RTHS presentations cover many topics of regional interest and are held in a number of noteworthy local venues. The Oct 17th meeting Christ Church Anglican. Built 1832 - Oldest Church in City of Ottawa in Burritt's Rapids took in yet another fine heritage building, the Anglican Christ Church.
The stately white building on Donnelly Drive overlooks the village. It was initially build in 1831 on land donated by Daniel Burritt Jr. Two additions date from 1861 and 1992. RTHS President Bill Tupper described the building's significance in last month's newsletter, in which he recalled the different ways he has interacted with “the oldest surviving church in the Rideau Valley”.
Approximately 44 members and interested area residents gathered for this talk. Tupper introduced speaker Brad Smith as a distinguished lawyer who enjoyed a career in government service followed by private practice.
Brad and Renee Smith purchased Burritt Farm in 1963 and became students and defenders of the village. Brad Smith credited his wife with being the real family expert on the community and its history. “Get the book” he quipped more than once, referring to “Burritt's Rapids 1793-1993: A Scrapbook” by Olivia Mills and Renee Smith. Indeed, a number of us did get signed copies after the talk, with proceeds from its sale going to the Burritt's Rapids community. A copy is also available at the Rideau Archives. Brad Smith called the co-authors' efforts “An example for us all of what you can do with local history – it's fascinating.”
RTHS Virtual Exhibit
The RTHS Facebook page continues to add new posts daily (Monday to Friday). A sampling of recent posts include:
- The Presence of the Past in Rideau Township:
- 3352 Donnelly Drive, Burritt's Rapids - The Wiggins Farm
- 5940 Prince of Wales Drive -Carsonby United Church
- Hutchinson's Camp: The Men Who Built Highway 16
- Pierce's Corners Continuation School - 1945/46
- John Bracken - Prominent Politician and Manotick Rancher
- Opportunity Awaits in North Gower - 1951
- Manotick Expansion - 1956
- S.S.#3 North Gower (Kars Village) - 1965 (Grade 3)
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Pathmasters, Poundkeepers, and Fence Viewers
- Reeve Craig News - 1897
- Fire Destroys Manotick Post Office and General Store - 1928
- S.S.#5 Marlborough (Burritt's Rapids) - 1932
- S.S.#3 Marlborough (Pierce's Corners) - 1946.
- Admirable Sailboat Restoration Undertaken in Beckett's Landing
- Coral Lindsay - Educator, Historian, Rideau Township Catalyst
- Centennial Celebration of Christ Church, Burritt's Rapids - Oldest Church in the Ottawa Valley
Preserving the Past to Enrich the Future