Lost in the tapestry of Mississauga’s history lies Dixie a neighbourhood whispering tales of a bygone era. Its name echoes through time a tribute to Doctor Beaumont Wilson Bowen Dixie. He was a pivotal figure not just in Dixie but in all of Toronto Township.
Doctor Dixie arrived in Upper Canada from Wales in 1831. He wasn’t just any physician. He was a saddle-bag doctor. Imagine him traversing the rugged terrain on horseback tending to his patients. His unwavering dedication extended beyond his practice. He and Doctor Sutton championed better public health. They advocated for sanitary improvements and access to clean water. A remarkable feat for that time.
Tragedy struck his family during the diphtheria epidemic of 1853-54. He tragically lost all four of his young children to the disease. Four small crosses in St Peter’s Anglican Cemetery stand as a poignant reminder of this heartbreaking loss. Yet his spirit remained unbroken. He continued to serve his community.
The hamlet of Sydenham a precursor to Dixie was renamed in his honour in 1865. The residents chose this name out of respect for the selfless doctor who cared for them. The road originally known as Third Line East became Dixie Road. This name has been in use since at least 1917.
Doctor Dixie’s legacy extends beyond the name of a road. His office which was sealed after his death in 1898 became a time capsule. Medicines and documents provided an invaluable glimpse into his life and practice. These artifacts now reside at PAMA the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives.
The Dixie of today bears the marks of both its past and its present. It’s a blend of commercial and industrial spaces residential areas and memories of a doctor who dedicated his life to his patients. The name Dixie will continue to resonate for generations reminding us of a dedicated physician and a compassionate man.