Picture a place where history whispers on the wind. That’s Cedar Grove. Right here before you stands a testament to a time long past. A time of mills and Mennonite settlers. A time when the Little Rouge Creek powered industry.
Cedar Grove isn’t just a neighbourhood. It’s a living historical record. It’s a place where the past is palpable. Imagine the Reesor family arriving in the early 1800s. They built a stone house. They built a log building that served as both school and church. This humble beginning blossomed into a thriving hamlet.
By the late 1800s Cedar Grove boasted at least five mills. There was a hotel a post office and even a blacksmith shop. Prosperity thrived. Then industrial labour shifted to the cities. Cedar Grove’s boom faded. But its spirit endures.
Lapp’s Cider Mill stands as a reminder of that past. This large red building is one of the few remaining vestiges. It once produced apple cider and cider vinegar. The Cedar Grove Schoolhouse another heritage building is now a community centre. Originally a wood-frame schoolhouse for Mennonite and Presbyterian children it was rebuilt with a stone-and-brick facade.
The Markham Museum holds a piece of Cedar Grove’s heart. Henry Lapp’s blacksmith shop built in 1862 now sits there. Six blacksmiths plied their trade within its walls. It’s a tangible link to a forgotten craft.
But Cedar Grove is more than just buildings. It’s part of Rouge National Urban Park. A unique blend of agriculture culture and natural beauty. This park is a vast expanse of meadows forests ponds and trails. It includes Toronto’s only campground. There are over 20 kilometres of trails to explore. The area boasts rich biodiversity and a fascinating history.
Cedar Grove offers a retreat from Markham’s suburban sprawl. Yet it’s just a short drive to shops and restaurants. The commute to downtown Toronto is surprisingly easy. Despite its quiet charm Cedar Grove remains connected to the pulse of the city. Its unique history and blend of rural and urban elements make it truly special.
This is Cedar Grove. A place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the promise of the future. A place you won’t soon forget.