06/15/2026
From pioneers to a thriving community! 🚜🌾
By 1871, the initial era of clearing the dense wilderness of the Queen’s Bush Settlement had transitioned into something remarkable: a thriving, established network of successful Black farmers and tradesmen right on the border of Waterloo and Wellington Counties.
While many families moved on, those who stayed rooted themselves deeply into the soil of Peel Township, out-farming and out-producing expectations:
🌽 Reverend Samuel Brown wasn't just a powerful church leader and circuit rider; he was one of the most successful farmers in the region and a major employer for local youth, even experimenting with growing corn.
🌿 James Dunn found massive success cultivating specialized crops of flax, h**p, and seed.
🍁 Ten local Black families ran highly productive maple sugar operations. The combined Palmer family led the pack, producing an incredible 300 pounds of maple sugar, closely followed by William Lawson and John Davis.
Why does this matter to our region?
These were sophisticated, permanent operations that built the very agricultural foundation of Woolwich, Wellesley, and Peel Townships. The legacy of their land stewardship, resilience, and economic impact is a massive piece of our shared history.
Experience the Legacy 🎶
Hear the music, feel the energy, taste the food, and listen to the stories of this very important history we are bringing to Wallenstein!
SAVE THE DATE
Queen's Bush Settlement Mural Reveal 📆 August 15, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm
📍Earthscape Play, Wallenstein
