A Glimpse into Local Maritime History: A Harbor of Hope and Rivalry
On September 12, 1871, a letter to the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune set the stage for an intriguing chapter in local history. The letter sparked a debate over where to build a crucial Harbor of Refuge on Lake Huron. Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach) and Port Hope both hoped to be selected as the site, each recognizing the potential economic boost the harbor would bring. To keep reading, click read more.
School History Part 3: A New Era Begins (1925-1957)
In 1925, construction began on a new brick high school at Portland Avenue and Third Street. The new building opened in April 1926, a move hastened by a scarlet fever outbreak. As Port Hope moved into the 20th century, the German Lutheran community played a significant role in education... To keep reading, click read more.
School History Part 2: Rising from the Ashes (1872-1926)
The original schoolhouse was lost in the 1871 fire, but the community quickly rebuilt. By 1872, a grand two-story school stood at Second and School Street, featuring a stage for productions. For over 50 years, this building was the heart of education in Port Hope... To keep reading, click read more.
School History Part 1: Humble Beginnings (1860-1871)
As the new school year kicks off, let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the rich history of education in Port Hope. Port Hope’s educational journey started around 1860 with a simple schoolhouse near the lake, fondly known as a "shingle shanty by the shore." To keep reading, click read more.
The Mysterious Fire
In 1918, tragedy struck when the store, owned by German-born Charles Engle, was deliberately set on fire. The culprit was never found, but rumors swirled. Read more.
Flourishing Under New Owners
Over the years, the original store saw several notable owners, each leaving their mark. In this edition of store history learn about the owners from historic newspaper clips and see photos of the original store.
The Beginning of Our Store’s Legacy
In 1875, William Henry Leuty, affectionately known as Henry Leuty, built a grand two-story wood frame store on the north corner of State and Maine. This iconic building quickly became a cornerstone of the community.