Founding of Elmgrove

Founding of Elmgrove. . , Elmgrove was known as “Elm Flats” because of its many elm trees., This area was settled in the 1830’s by settlers of English and Irish descent. The name was changed to Elmgrove in 1840. The settlers found much of the land swampy. The swamp extended from the 3rd to the 4th line. A corduroy road was built across the swamp which is the 5th Sideroad. , Elmgrove School S.S. No. 2 was built in the 1840’s at the northeast corner of 5th Sideroad and 4th Line; then rebuilt in 1899 and was closed in 1959. Then it became a Community Centre until 2010 when it was sold and renovated for a private home. , East of the school at the 5th Line was the small village of Elmgrove. It consisted of a store, a blacksmith shop, a shoemaker’s shop, a wagon maker’s place, a hotel, a post office and a few private homes. , Elmgrove Methodist Church was built on the southeast corner of the 5th Sideroad and 4th Line in 1882. This church was closed in 1921 and torn down in 1926. The Orange Hall was built beside the church and was there for many years. , St. Peter’s Anglican Church was built on 5th Sideroad and 3rd Line in 1862 and closed in 1982., Erected by Essa Historical Society and Elmgrove Community , Supported by Township of Essa , 2011.