Remembering Dewittville

Emily Southwood - As the 60th anniversary of the Dewittville chapter of the Women’s Institute approaches this September, the dedicated group of local women gathered to discuss the history of their beloved area. Marian Ruddock, who also hosted the meeting, spoke about Dewittville’s rich and varied past, revealing an almost unrecognizable portrait of the once bustling hamlet on both sides of the Chateauguay River. These women join the many WI’s chapters worldwide who gather regularly to empower rural women, support their educational opportunities, provide chances to build new skills, and campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities. The talk kicked off with each of the women in attendance calling upon their memories of Dewittville. These included lively accounts of stopping at the Dewittville Store after one’s honeymoon to stock up on supplies, frequenting the store for a treat after skating on the adjacent ice rink, and of local children flocking to the store on Halloween. The store, which originally dates back to 1879, features prominently in many a local memory. More than just a place to buy produce and supplies, it was clearly a meeting place for locals. The store once housed a backyard pool where community members were welcome to bring their children—on their own reconnaissance—which reveals a now almost unimaginable level of camaraderie and trust. Indeed, the sentiment echoed throughout the talk was, “Supporting one another was at the core of who we were as a town.” Once called Portage by the earliest Scottish Settlers, Dewittville’s prominence in the area began with the erection of a mill site. An old map of the area depicts the many enterprises and services that once existed from the sawmill, blacksmiths, barber shop and cheese factory to Oliver’s and Blakely Tavern, as well as a Church and two schoolhouses. The 138A was the only road connecting Ormstown and Huntingdon until 1977, and north of that sat the C.N.R. Dewittville Station, where a train once passed through four times a day. Former storeowner, the late Royce Ruddock was also the last postmaster of the post office that dated back to 1833. Marian recalled her husband Royce walking up to the station to collect the mail each day at 7am and returning every evening at 5pm. “On the very odd occasion, he would hear the train whistle and know he would miss it and have to race to Ormstown.” Marian also displayed several artifacts such as an old letterbox, scales, and bells with different rings that once indicated which family sleigh was approaching. Also on display were many photographs and articles from the bygone area, which the women perused as they set their sights on future discussions, events and fundraising opportunities. For more information on the Women’s Institute, which is a provincial, national and international organization that promotes women, families and communities, see: http://fwic.ca/