The History of Hespeler

Hespeler’s story is a bit different. The town was developed primarily as an industrial community and housed many woollen and textile mills. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, management of the largest mill, Dominion Woollens and Worsteds, ensured that at least one member of each family living in Hespeler was employed at the mill. During the Second World War, with much of its workforce on military duty, Dominion Woollens recruited young women from eastern Canada and Northern Ontario. Many of these women continued to work and live in the community long after the war ended and today some of the original mills are still standing, as are many of the workers’ homes. Also, not to be missed is the Forbes Estate, one of the most prominent homes in all of Cambridge. This home was originally built for the daughter of industrialist Robert Forbes, founder of the Dominion Woollens. While the significance of the textile industry has all but disappeared, the strong sense of community which has carried Hespeler throughout its long history, continues to be its greatest resource.

Speed River Hespeler Millpond Dam, Cambridge Ontario

This slide show presents early summer views of Jacob's Landing, the Silknit Dam, Hespeler millpond and Speed River, bookended with relevant water quotes. By Don Drews