Town installs wraps featuring historic photos on traffic cabinets

Project is a way to celebrate Caledon's heritage for its 50th anniversary

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It's been 50 years since the Town of Caledon was incorporated. 

The Town has been undertaking a number of initiatives to mark the milestone, the latest of which is installing wraps of historic photos on traffic cabinets across Caledon. The installation was done in partnership with the Region of Peel.

At Highway 50 and Ellwood Drive West, a picture of the Bolton Library on its opening day in 1967 is featured. The library was demolished when Highway 50 was widened. 

At Kennedy Road and Dougall Avenue, a picture of horse-drawn hay wagons crossing the Peel Plain in 1953 is featured. 

At Kennedy and Larson Peak roads, a picture of residents feeding birds around 1910 is shown. 

On Kingsway Drive at Columbia Way, a picture of people crossing the Humber River around 1900 is shown. 

On Highway 50 at Wilton/Allan Drive, a picture of the Bolton Citizens Band around 1930 is on display. The band was established in the 1850s and played a significant role in community life.

At Old Church Road and Atchison Drive, the photo featured is of a flag raising at Caledon Town Hall on July 1, 1988.

At Old Church and Airport roads, the picture shown is of a view across Airport Road during the Highland Games Parade of 1959.

The Caledon East Train station, around the year 1905, is shown in the wrap at Airport Road and the Caledon Trailway. Rail service ended at the station in the 1960s; the Town of Caledon purchased the abandoned railway in the 1980s and turned it into the Caledon Trailway.

At Highway 50 and Patterson Sideroad, there's a picture of Palgrave's Elm Tree Hotel around the year 1930. The hotel was built in 1892 and was originally known as the Commercial Hotel.

Finally, at Charleston Sideroad and Main Street, a picture of the Coulterville Camp around the year 1932 is featured. In the 1920s, the Coulter family established a fishing and tourist camp on their farm. Large garden parties were held on the farm until 1957.

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves said in a statement it's exciting to see Caledon's heritage celebrated.

“These heritage traffic cabinet wraps transport us back to different periods of time in a beautiful way, celebrating our history and providing residents and visitors a glimpse into our past. I encourage all residents to visit these traffic cabinets and learn a little more about our community,” said Groves.

The Region of Peel's Chair, Nando Iannicca, said in a statement he was happy that Peel and Caledon collaborated to celebrate Caledon's history.

“I encourage Caledon residents and visitors to take note of these beautiful images curated by the committee. Also, don't miss the opportunity to see the historical wraps previously completed in Downtown Bolton, a project in partnership with Peel Region and the Albion Bolton Historical Society,” said Iannicca.