Hanover in Grey County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Daniel Knechtel 1843 - 1936

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

1. Daniel Knechtel 1843 - 1936 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Born in Waterloo County, Daniel Knechtel came to Hanover in 1864. Two years later, he began producing handcrafted furniture and in 1874 opened a factory on this site. By using local timber resources and applying the latest techniques in furniture manufacturing, Knechtel built a successful business. Under his direction, subsidiaries were established in Southampton and Walkerton and markets expanded into the Canadian West. A fire destroyed Knechtel's factory in 1900 but another was built the following year and operated until 1983. Active in the community, Knechtel made substantial donations for a hospital, library and Baptist church, and served as first reeve and mayor of Hanover (1909-1911).

Daniel Knechtel naît dans le comté de Waterloo. Il arrive à Hanover en 1864 et, deux ans plus tard, commence à fabriquer des meubles. En 1874, il ouvre ici une usine. Une utilisation judicieuse des ressources locales en bois et des dernières techniques de fabrication de meubles lui permettent de monter une affaire prospère. Sous sa direction, des filiales s'établissent à Southampton et à Walkerton, et sa

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clientèle s'étend jusque dans l'Ouest canadien. En 1900, un incendie détruit l'usine, mais dès l'année suivante, une autre est reconstruite. Elle reste ouverte jusqu'en 1983. Socialement engagé, Knechtel a fait des dons importants pour un hôpital, une bibliothèque et une église baptiste. Il a été le premier président du conseil municipal puis maire de Hanover (1909-1911).

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 44° 9.189′ N, 81° 1.537′ W. Marker is in Hanover, Ontario, in Grey County. It is at the intersection of 11th Avenue and 11th Street on 11th Avenue. The marker is near the northeast corner of Hanover Heritage Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 358 10th Street, Hanover ON N4N 1P4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgian Bay Country

and in Southwestern Ontario.

Daniel Knechtel 1843 - 1936 Marker [français] image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

2. Daniel Knechtel 1843 - 1936 Marker [français]

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 21 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: “Tommy Burns” (a few steps from this marker); The Founding of Hanover / La Fondation de Hanover (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanover Cenotaph (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker (approx. 8.4 kilometers away); The Founding of Walkerton (approx. 9.9 kilometers away); Founding of Durham (approx. 16.2 kilometers away); 2 Elora Street (approx. 20.8 kilometers away); The Founding of Clifford (approx. 20.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

3. Daniel Knechtel 1843 - 1936 Marker

Knechtel Furniture factory building in Hanover ca 1910 image. Click for full size.

4. Knechtel Furniture factory building in Hanover ca 1910

Northeast entrance to Hanover Heritage Square Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 4, 2025

5. Northeast entrance to Hanover Heritage Square Park

Marker is just visible on the left side of the walk way

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.