A copy of the recently published The History of Cumnock was presented to the Wellington County Historical Society this month.
Written by Centre Wellington resident Alex Macdonald, the newest historical publication will become part of Wellington County’s collection and record that is located at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
A life long resident of the area, Macdonald has been compiling information on Cumnock and area over the past 40 years or more. This labour of love is the result of his extensive research over that time.
Macdonald said, “I am pleased to make this presentation to the Historical Society and the county archives. Cumnock has been my home and home to many over the years and, while not found on the current provincial road map, many will remember the community and the people.”
Cumnock, a post office community, was founded in 1855 and is situated six miles north of Fergus on what was once known as the Owen Sound Road, and now referred to as Highway 6, in the former Nichol township. Named after the home town of James Sampson, an early settler of the area, Cumnock once boasted a population of 200 people and included a variety of businesses, hotels, stores, churches, a post office, and a school.
A natural stop over area when transportation was limited to horse drawn vehicles, with the advent of the automobile, wider roads and longer travel distances, Cumnock has all but disappeared.
Macdonald’s history book, available from the author, contains information on the area and community, and a variety of topics relevant to Cumnock. Rob Black, president of the Wellington County Historical Society thanked Macdonald, noting, “It is certain to be an excellent addition to the historical collection and record of Wellington County, and one we are pleased to pass along to the archives.”
Now in its eighth decade, the mandate of the Wellington County Historical Society is to preserve, illuminate and publicize the history of Wellington County. Through the ongoing work of the society, its members and many others in the community, the work of the Wellington County Museum and Archives is enhanced and fostered through public awareness of the rich history and heritage of Wellington County.
