- History
- Lore and Stories
- Areas of Concern / Special Places
- Ecology
- Arts and Entertainment
- Recreation
- Food and local products
- Events
- Photo Album
History
The magnificent gristmill, a commanding presence in Udora for 140 years was recently designated as a building of historic and architectural significance under the Ontario Heritage Act. The mill was built by Thomas and Lancelot Bolster (Port Bolster) but is best known for its 90-year association with the Peers family-- to the time of its closure in 1976. Peers Mill was one of the last functioning gristmills in Ontario. Its current use remains to be defined; however it continues to be a point of pride for local residents.
Lore and Stories
The local school, SS #5 Georgina, was the original focal point of the community. From the mid 1800’s to 1970 it was the centre for education and also for many community activities. More than just a place to shop, a rural general store is a social centre where people gather casually to share news and tell tall tales.
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Areas of Concern / Special Places
Rolling farmland surrounds the hamlet -- a sea of pastures and grain-fields where only the mooing of cows or the mechanical whirl of a tractor disturbs the silence. Farmlands are an important part of the natural order as wildlife has adapted to their unique conditions and in many cases, have thrived. The populations of some animals, most notably deer and wild turkey, have actually increased since the area was settled. It’s not unusual to spot either during a quiet dusk stroll.
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Ecology
High quality natural habitats are valued for many reasons including their ability to support species at risk. The reddish and beautifully marked Eastern Milk Snake, listed by the Ministry of Natural Resources as a “special protected species” in Ontario has an ideal home in the wild areas of Udora and also in the old
fields and stone fence rows where rodents, a main food source, are common.
Arts and Entertainment
“There are many ‘artists’ of all types living here: sculptors, painters, musicians, writers, fibre artists, etc. This makes for an amiable ambiance and an atmosphere conducive to creativity. There is a sense of connection with the past through historic buildings and families who have been here for generations. The clean air and natural beauty of the landscape are also significant factors in making this a great place for body and soul.”
Tom McKreight, Musician
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Recreation
When forests, rivers and wetlands are lost due to growth and development, important plant and animal species can be lost permanently. As a result, the delicate, interconnected balance of all life, including human health and nature, can be put at risk. In the Udora region, the Concerned Citizens of Udora, the
Zephyr Society of Lake Simcoe and the South Lake Simcoe Naturalists have undertaken research and monitor wildlife and the ecology in these areas.
Food and local products
By 1905, Udora had become a bustling crossroads hamlet but because it had never been connected to larger centres by rail line, the community became self-contained and cottage industries thrived longer than in other areas. A century ago, Udora had a pair of blacksmiths, a woodworking factory, two or three small sawmills, a gristmill, Clissold’s pump-making shop, a harness maker, two general stores and the Udora House hotel. The population probably stood at 150 people. The population today is approximately 500.
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Events
In 1974, when the community hall was built, Udora had a new social heart.
Twenty years later, in 1994, with strong leadership from the Lions’ Club and a great deal of community participation, Udora Hall was expanded and refurbished. It is one of the most attractive halls in Georgina.
Together, the hall and the park, annually host many gatherings, from weddings and scouting and guiding meetings to sporting events and weekly Seniors’ Club euchre games.
Photo Album
