Cochrane in Cochrane District, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Home of the Potato Kings
Cochrane, Ontario
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2022
1. Home of the Potato Kings Marker
Cochrane has a proud history of farming in the North. More specifically potato farming, with roots dating back more than a century. Cochrane donned the title "Potato Kings" in 1953 when local resident Gabriel Kolomeitz was presented a gold watch by the American Potash Institute at the Royal Winter Fair, an achievement laced with International Distinction. The following year, 1954, would see another Cochranite, David C. Hackett, claim the title.
The Town of Cochrane is proud to recognize these achievements and see the continued growth and excellence in our agricultural community here in the Great Clay Belt of Northern Ontario.
1953 Gabriel Kolomeitz Dunning, Ontario
1954 David C. Hackett Cochrane, Ontario
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 49° 3.619′ N, 81° 1.323′ W. Marker is in Cochrane, Ontario, in Cochrane District. Marker is on Railway Street, 0.1 kilometers east of 7th Avenue South, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the Cochrane Railway & Pioneer Museum grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Railway Street, Cochrane ON P0L 1C0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 8 kilometers of
this page online
Also see . . . Ontario Potatoes.
Potatoes are Ontario’s largest fresh vegetable crop and second only to tomatoes as a processing crop. According to History of Agriculture in Ontario 1613-1880 by Robert Leslie Jones, published in 1946, French settlers grew potatoes on the east side of the Detroit River from present day Windsor to Amherstburg as far back as 1760. Later, in 1783, according to History of Farming in Ontario, published in 1914 by C.C. James, the United Empire Loyalists began growing potatoes in Ontario when they settled the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Bay of Quinte and the Niagara peninsula.(Submitted on March 13, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2022
2. Home of the Potato Kings Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
