The subject refers to the decisions leading to Pembroke becoming the principal town of Renfrew County in 1861. There was much controversy over that decision in Renfrew (the village) and McNab Township. At one point in 1862, McNab and Bagot-Blithfield even applied for separation, arguing that Pembroke was 60 miles away, while Perth was only 40 miles away. Back in 1857, Daniel McLachlin had offered to donate land for the County buildings, but his offer was turned down.
Scope and Content
File consists of:
1. Photocopy of an article by C.E.J. Whebell (University of Western Ontario) called “Why Pembroke?”, published in Ontario History (vol.? year?). Whebell was an associate professor in the Dept. of Geography, University of Western Ontario.
Key terms: Francis Hincks; county population figures of 1851 (8.423), 1861 (20,325). Politics, political history. McNab Township assessment (wealthiest in the County).