Local history

Are you interested in local history? If so, you might be interested to know that local author, John McKenty just released another book. This one’s titled St. Crispin’s Legacy: Shoemaking in Perth, Ontario 1834 – 2004.

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From the book jacket:

When looking at the long history of making shoes in the small town of Perth, Ontario, one is surprised to discover it’s an endeavour that was almost over before it began. During the early years of the 20th century, small towns across Canada competed to have large factories locate within their boundaries. Perth was no exception. In 1910, it gave the Winn family of Milton, Ontario, $20,000 to move their shoe factory to Perth. A year later when it was discovered the Winns were “financially embarrassed” and looking to have Perth taxpayers bail them out all hell broke loose. The ensuing mayhem forced the town’s leading citizens to step forward and rescue an industry that, for decades to come, would be an integral part of the Perth community.

Backbeat also carries John’s other books, Arden Blackburn’s Mail Route: The Early Days at Christie Lake, Follow the Crowd: The James Boys of Perth, and Square Deal Garage: Sixty Years of Service to the Motoring Public.