Nodwell Farm

The first settlers came to Hillsburgh in 1820. A small community on lots 22 and 23 in the seventh concession was known after William How who operated a mill. Nazareth Hill arrived in 1823 and along with surverying the area built the first hotel. The community took his name around this time.

In 1833 William Nodwell came from Londonberry, Ireland and purchased the property "Homestead Farm" on lot 24 from George Chalmers. They were the fourth owners of the property. Within a year their log home was destroyed by fire. This first home was much further back from the road. The north east portion of the property was then sold to Angus McMurchy and a new log home was built near where the present brick house stands. This brick house was built in 1868.

William Nodwell died in 1845 and left the farm to his two sons Robert and Thomas. Robert traded property in East Garfaraxa to Thomas for his share of the property and became sole owner. Robert(a)s son RD took over the farm about 1895. At that time the brick house on the front corner of the lane was built for his parents and an unmarried sister to live in. This house is still occupied.

RD(a)s son Mungo took over operations about 1926 and ran the farm until 1963 when he died. Mungo(a)s daughter, Mary, has rented the farm since that time. In 1960 Mungo sold off 6 acres and Ross R. McKay public school was built.

Currently there is a proposal to develop the farm as a subdivision and this 140 year old house may soon vanish.