Timeline: History of Willow Lake Campground and RV Park Woodstock Ontario Canada www.willowlakecampground.ca

Oct 1, 1844

Land Grant to John Harrington

This farm, lot 8, con.11 East Zorra, is the east half of a 200
acre grant taken by John Harrington from the Crown in Oct. 1844. To this was added in recent years 25 acres to the south, being part of lot 7.
John Harrington came to Canada from Vermont U.S.A. and this farm was continually in the hands of his descendants until Feb. 1915

Oct 1, 1844

Owner John Harrington 1844-1881

Jan 1, 1857

1857 Atlas

Jan 2, 1857

1857 Atlas - Property shown

1857 Atlas - See plot labelled Harrington

Jan 1, 1876

Cheese Factory - note small circle referencing cheese factory

1876 Atlas

Jan 2, 1876

Spring Creek Cheese & Butter Manfc Co of East Zorra

"WILLOW LAKE DAIRY FARM" formerly known as Spring Creek Farm.

Jan 2, 1876

Spring Creek Cheese & Butter Manfc Co of East Zorra

Stamp as viewed at Oxford County Archives
Description
Made of heavy metal. Painted black and gold. Handle which you push down to get the embossed seal (handle is broken). Seal comes out of lions mouth.
This company was located where Willow Lake Park is now found, Con. 11 lot 8, East Zorra.
Link text

1881

Owner - Jacob Harrington 1881-1890

John Harrington died, property to Jacob Harrington (doc#82228)

1890

Owner - Hiram Harrington 1890-1907

Jacob Harrington to Hiram Harrington (doc#5518)

1899

Woollen Mill

Date unknown
A Woollen Mill was operated for a number of years on this farm.
It was run by water from the artificial lake to the mill. Farmers for miles around brought wool as taken from the sheep's back and took it home woven into blankets.

1907

Owner - John Powell 1907-1915

Harrington Estate to John M Powell (doc#9470)

1915

Land known as Willow Lake Dairy Farm

"WILLOW LAKE DAIRY FARM" formerly known as Spring Creek Farm.
The three surviving Jackson brothers operate 120 acres as a dairy farm

1915

Owner - Charles Jackson 1915–1939

The three surviving Jackson brothers operate 120 acres as a dairy
farm, their sisters, Misses Florence and Madeline Jackson, having purchased the artificial lake and 5 acres of the surrounding land and developed it.
The artificial lake was used as a swimming pool in connection with a summer resort and summer cottages known as Willow Lake Park. Mr. Carl Berlett of Woodstock purchased this park from the Misses Jackson in 1954

1939

Willow Lake - Family/Friends at Swimming Pool

All are wearing short sleeve blouses. The woman on right of image is running her hand through the back of her hair. Something white is in front of the second woman from the left side. Background is an in ground swimming pool. A wooden diving board (?) Is behind the women right side. A group of people are in front of a wooden slide at center background. Trees are in full foliage.Link text

1939

Owner - Florence & Madeline Jackson 1939-1954

1939 - 1954 Florence & Madeline Jackson (to Burlett doc#18215) The three surviving Jackson brothers operate 120 acres as a dairy
farm, their sisters, Misses Florence and Madeline Jackson, having purchased the artificial lake and 5 acres of the surrounding land and developed it.
The artificial lake was used as a swimming pool in connection with a summer resort and summer cottages known as Willow Lake Park.

1939

Aerial View

late 30's possibly
note:
-area where cars are parked is now year round residents
-stone cottage located mid-right still exists
-top right is where current campstore and owner's residence are, used to be a snack bar, you can see steps on the right leading up to a balcony/patio where you could purchase snacks

1954

Owner - Earl & Mary Burlett 1954-1965

1954-1965 Earl & Mary Burlett (to Sommers doc #A70361) The artificial lake was used as a swimming pool in connection with a summer resort and summer cottages known as Willow Lake Park. Mr. Carl Berlett of Woodstock purchased this park from the Misses Jackson in 1954