Birthday plans

Wellington looking west along Main Street from Wharf about 1910.

Wellington gets set to celebrate 150 years

One hundred and fifty years ago this year the village of Wellington was carved out of Hillier Township and Hallowell to stand as a self-governed community. The nation of Canada wouldn’t be formed for another four years. Across the lake Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery in that nation.

For a century prior to the formation of Wellington, Prince Edward County was being settled by United Empire Loyalists, those fleeing the U.S. seeking to remain true to the Empire—or at least escape the fighting.

To become a village Wellington was required to show that it had 750 residents. Many in Hillier and Hallowell doubted the village would meet this test, according to a book produced to celebrate Wellington’s 100th birthday. There were some hard feelings in these neighbouring jurisdictions as tax rolls were being removed from Hillier and Hallowell to be presided over in the new village.

Nevertheless, Wellington was incorporated in October, 1862 and its first council sat on January 19, 1863.

An array of activities and events are being planned and organized to celebrate Wellington’s sesquicentennial. Most are being centred around Canada Day—always a festive occasion in the village.

Watch the Times for full events schedule and ways for you to participate in this occasion.