Higginson Tower

The Higginson Observation Tower - Vankleek Hill, Ontario

The Higginson Observation Tower, located in the village of Vankleek Hill, is an outstanding symbol of the evolution of 19th century teaching, learning and civic duty in Eastern Ontario.
The Higginson Tower can be seen as you approach the village of Vankleek Hill from the north, on the hill close to St. John the Apostle Anglican Church. You can also see the tower and its flag as you approach the town's only traffic light - at Highway 34 and Main Street - from the south.
The base of the tower was built in 1832 by Lieutenant Thomas Higginson, to house a wind-powered grist mill. Later, when the grist mill fell into disuse, William Higginson, son of Thomas, added the upper portion to create an observatory.
In 1866 in answer to a government call to defend against the Fenian Raid, the Prescott Militia mustered at Lieutenant-Colonel Higginson's in Vankleek Hill on March 9, 1866 to proceed to Cornwall. It is suggested that the Higginson Observation Tower carried out a defensive role during the Fenian Raids as it later carried the term of look-out tower.
For the summer season the Higginson Tower is usually open starting in early May, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week.
Tour groups are welcome! Enjoy bilingual interpretive program, displays of artefacts found during an archaeological investigation which took place prior to restoration. Listen to history as you climb the steps inside the tower to the top! Have a picnic on site, or visit nearby Arbor Gallery just a few steps away, located inside the original home of William Higginson, the son of Thomas Higginson, who built the stone portion of tower.
The tower is open off-season by special appointment to groups of 10 or more. Please call 613-678-3327 to make tour arrangements, or e-mail Louise at review@thereview.ca.
Visit the tower's online scrapbook to see photos documenting the progress of the restoration work done to the tower.

The Higginson Reunion

More than 370 Higginson descendants from across the United States and Canada gathered in Vankleek Hill this past weekend for the Higginson Reunion.

The event celebrated the 200-year anniversary of the Higginson's arrival in Canada and included a driving tour of local sites tied to the family's history, such as the Higginson Tower, and the Round Barn.

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Vankleek hill canada ontario

Vankleek hill canada ontario

Vankleek Hill Historical Walking Tour, Series #1: Early Beginnings 3 of 3

Welcome to our introduction to Vankleek Hill, a community of 1800 in Ontario. We are the midway point between Montreal and Ottawa. Our community sits north of Highway 417, at the crossroads of Highway 34 and County Road 10, in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. We are known as the Gingerbread Capital of Canada. Our community sits at the crossroads of Highway 34 and County Road 10, in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. You will see fine examples of our red brick and Victorian gingerbread, and hear stories about our early years.

The DVD was produced with the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism & Culture, 2010; and with the great help of Ron Handfield, TV COGECO Hawkesbury; Canton Champlain Township; Martel & Fils/Sons; The Review; Digital Influence.
Voices: Michelle Landriault, Lisa McMachen, Ken Davis, Gary Barton, Denis Seguin Architect.

The complete DVD is 35 minutes long. We have divided it into three parts for easy viewing.
Part 1: Red Brick & Gingerbread at the Crossroads
Part 2: Community Growth
Part 3: Business & Victorian Architecture

You can find us at vankleek.ca and on Facebook & Flickr under Vankleek Hill Museum.
The walking tour DVD is available for $20. Contact Vankleek Hill & District Historical Society: info at vankleek.ca

Vankleek Hill Fair opening parade 2013 -7

VANKLEEK HILL ONTARIO 2017 - 4 TRUCKER TV

Vankleek Hill Fair opening parade 2013 -2

RubyTFO - Vankleek Hill Vineyard

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Vankleek Hill Fair 2017

Well folks, another Vankleek Hill Fair has come and gone. Already? I know, we can't believe it either!
Luckily, we have some memories to share with you to keep those fine Fair feelings flowing.

Thank you to the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society and to everyone else who makes it all possible year in and year out.

Check out our video for a few moments from our small town's biggest event of the summer!

Find us on the web!

Vankleek Hill Historical Walking Tour, Series #1: Early Beginnings 1 of 3

Welcome to our introduction to Vankleek Hill, a community of 1800 in Ontario. We are the midway point between Montreal and Ottawa. Our community sits north of Highway 417, at the crossroads of Highway 34 and County Road 10, in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. We are known as the Gingerbread Capital of Canada. Our community sits at the crossroads of Highway 34 and County Road 10, in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell. You will see fine examples of our red brick and Victorian gingerbread, and hear stories about our early years.

The DVD was produced with the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism & Culture, 2010; and with the great help of Ron Handfield, TV COGECO Hawkesbury; Canton Champlain Township; Martel & Fils/Sons; The Review; Digital Influence.
Voices: Michelle Landriault, Lisa McMachen, Ken Davis, Gary Barton, Denis Seguin Architect.

The complete DVD is 35 minutes long. We have divided it into three parts for easy viewing.
Part 1: Red Brick & Gingerbread at the Crossroads
Part 2: Community Growth
Part 3: Business & Victorian Architecture

You can find us at vankleek.ca and on Facebook & Flickr under Vankleek Hill Museum.
The walking tour DVD is available for $20. Contact Vankleek Hill & District Historical Society: info at vankleek.ca

Vankleek Hill Festival of Flavours - Review Video Stories

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Vankleek Hill KOM 2017 07 30 1

Knockin' on Heaven's Door - 50 Proof at the Vankleek Hill May Show

50 Proof performs Knockin' On Heaven's Door at the 33rd Annual Vankleek Hill May Show, May 23, 2015.

VANKLEEK HILL ONTARIO 2017 - 8 TRUCKER TV

Takin' Care of Business - 50 PROOF - 2016 Vankleek Hill May Show Festival

50 PROOF's cover of Bachman-Turner Overdrive's 'Takin' Care of Business' live at the Vankleek Hill May Show Festival, May 21, 2016.

Caledonia by Celtic Flare of Vankleek Hill

Celtic Flare of Vankleek Hill Ontario sing Caledonia. October 2012

Wind generator installed in Vankleek Hill

A 10-kilowatt wind generator was installed at the corner of Pleasant Corners Road and Highway 34 near Vankleek Hill on Thursday, October 21. It will be connected to the local Hydro One grid under the microFIT program for homeowners and small businesses.

The Peelers &. Emily Fennell - Girls of Tramore (Oktoberfest, Vankleek Hill, Ont., October 1, 2011)

The Peelers (feat. Emily Fennell) performing The Girls of Tramore at the 2011 Oktoberfest presented by Beau's All Natural Brewing Co., Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Canada on October 1, 2011.

Sur la route de la popote roulante de Vankleek Hill

50 Proof at the Vankleek Hill May Show Festival

A brief clip of 50 Proof performing at the Vankleek Hill May Show Festival on May 16, 2015.