Cambridge Visitor Information Centre - Home
Home About Cambridge Services Meeting Planner Contact Us spacer Facebook Pinterest spacer P: 800-749-7560       E: [email protected]
Cambridge Ontario
 
spacer
 
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer

 

spacer
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
December
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

View all upcoming events.
spacer
 

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

 

Grand River & City Scenes


BridgeMixed shots taken in the heart of Cambridge, Ont. Located by the Grand River, Cambridge offers a wonderful mix of nature and historic architecture.  More
 

Speed River Millpond & Dam


Guy SmilingSpeed River Mill Pond Dam: Early summer views of Jacob’s Landing, the Silknet Dam, Hesepler Mill Pond and the Speed River.

More

 

Riverside Park


Happy WomanRiverside Park: The largest park in Cambridge, Riverside Park in Preston encompasses 102 hectares (256 acres) and is situated beside an 1890 millpond on the Speed River
 More

 

© Copyright 2023 Cambridge Visitor Information Centre. All Rights Reserved. Web Design and Content Management by REM Web Solutions.