Acton in Halton Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

1800s The Origins of Dolly Varden

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

1. 1800s The Origins of Dolly Varden Marker

Inscription. 'The Dolly' as it was commonly called even in the 1960s, is situated between the Third and Fourth Concessions at Lot 24 of the former Esquesing Township, along the Grand Trunk (now Canadian National) Railway line. The Niagara Escarpment runs through the area with its beds of limestone, which have been used since the mid-1840s for making cement and plaster. The operations at this site commenced around 1872 with the Robertson-Laidlaw firm. On May 12, 1874 Dr. McGarvin and C.S. Smith of Acton purchased the Dolly Varden lime works. By this time, four kilns were in operation eight months of the year, with a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day. There were about 10 men employed, with total wages amounting to $325 per month.

Erected by Dufferin Aggregates.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 43° 37.926′ N, 80° 2.634′ W. Marker is in Acton, Ontario, in Halton Region. It can be reached from the intersection of School Lane and Main Street North. The marker is on the west side of the Acton (Halton Hills) Public

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Library, accessible from its parking lot on School Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 River Street, Acton ON L7J 1W2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto,

specifically on the Golden Horseshoe,

in the Hamilton-Halton-Brant Area,

and specifically in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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 walking distance of this marker: Late 1800s - 1900s Lime Kiln Technology (a few steps from this marker); Mid-to-Late 1900s Acton Quarry & Its Commercial Operations (a few steps from this marker); 2001 - Present Day Dufferin Aggregates Acton Quarry (a few steps from this marker); Acton (within shouting distance of this marker); Acton Town Hall (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Villanore (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Syndicate Houses Heritage District

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

2. 1800s The Origins of Dolly Varden Marker

(approx. 0.3 kilometers away); NcNiven-Elliott House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Acton.

1800s The Origins of Dolly Varden marker photos am captions detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

3. 1800s The Origins of Dolly Varden marker photos am captions detail

The west side of the Acton Public Library, facing toward School Lane image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 5, 2025

4. The west side of the Acton Public Library, facing toward School Lane

The marker is on the right

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 8, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.