The Athol Recreation Centre

Thank you to the Cherry Valley WOMAN’S INSTITUTE  for organizing another wonderful Ham Supper in late March.  It was as usual a wonderful and well attended community event.

A full house for dinner!

Athol Recreation Committee Member Donna Kaye serving tea.

We would also like to thank the Athol Recreation Committee members Donna Kaye, Gavin North, Ramesh Pooran, Susan Wallis and Glen Wallis who helped serve, wash up and take down this event.

Special thanks to Cherry Valley residents John McKinnon and Lily Lee who also lend a hand every year.

We would also like to thank the Woman’s Institute for their donation again this year towards the fund to refurbish Alva Stephen’s ledger.

Photos by Ramesh Pooran.

Alva Stephen’s Ledger.

Alva Stephens  settled in Cherry Valley when he purchased a homestead in 1822, which stands just outside the hamlet of Cherry Valley on the right side of Cty. Rd. 18 on the way to Sandbanks, currently the home of  Athol Committee members, Susan & Glen Wallis.  Mr. Stephens is reputed to have given Cherry Valley its name based on the abundance of cherry trees in the area at the time and it is reported that there was a large cherry orchard located on his property on the banks of East Lake.

The  ledger includes entries that date back from 1816 and provides a fascinating window into the social life of a long ago era here in the County. Sadly, the ledger is in poor condition and its contents are becoming hidden from us because handling the book will add to its deterioration.

The Athol Recreation Committee is raising money in order to  have the ledger restored so that it can be seen by future generations.  The ledger is on display at the hall.  A donation box is also available if you would like to donate to this worthy historical venture.