In partnership with the Museum of Dufferin, we’re celebrating Mulmur’s 175th birthday by sharing fun facts, historic moments, and stunning architecture across our social channels! Join us every week for something new!

The First By-Law

On January 1st Mulmur turned 175! The story of Mulmur begins in the early 1820’s when the Township was surveyed, and lands were granted to settlers. By the 1830’s, early settlements emerged, including Mulmur Corners, Whitfield, Mansfield, Stanton and later Honeywood in 1848. On January 1, 1851 Mulmur was officially incorporated as a municipality. The minutes of Mulmur’s first council meeting on January 21, 1851 capture a notable moment in our community’s beginnings. Present as the first members of Council, Reeve Paul Gallaugher, John Cooper, James Mitchell, William Hand and David McCutcheon appointed John Little to serve as the Township’s first clerk and treasurer, marking the formal establishment of local administration. Mulmur’s history is a story of resilience, vision, and community spirit transforming a rugged landscape of trails into a thriving rural municipality with schools, libraries, and essential services.  Join us in 2026 as we celebrate Mulmur's 175th and highlight its history! 

 Photo: Minutes of the Mulmur Council First Meeting Photo Credit: Township of Mulmur

Mulmur turns 175 in 2026!

This isn't just any township...since it's incorporation in 1851, Mulmur's history has been rich with creativity, influence, a touch of legend - with a little mischief thrown in for good measure! From the inspiring to the infamous, the people who called Mulmur home shaped it into the place we know today. All year long, the Museum of Dufferin will be sharing stories of the people, towns, businesses and even buildings that make Mulmur so fascinating - and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single one

Early Taxes

Did you know that Mulmur’s very first tax by-law dates all the way back to 1851? By law No. 6 set the Township’s total taxation amount at forty pounds, six shillings, and nine pence—a foundational step in building the community we know today. From the very beginning, taxes played a vital role in supporting public services. In 1853, Council directed ½ penny on the pound of assessed property to purchase library books for the local school and later, $10 per school was provided to help buy maps. As Mulmur grew, so did its investments. In 1870, Council approved one of its largest expenditures to date—$300 to construct a bridge over the Boyne River on the Sixth Line (now Airport Road). This early infrastructure project supported travel, trade, and connection across the Township. Fast forward to today, and taxes continue to be a cornerstone of community building, helping to fund education, social services, police and fire, roads, recreation, and so much more. The legacy of responsible investment continues to shape the Township—just as it has for the last 175 years. 

Photo: Excerpt from John A. Love’s Township of Mulmur Abstract and Detailed Statement of Accounts for the Year 1887 Photo Credit: Township of Mulmur

Simcoe County

Did you know… up until 1881, Mulmur was part of Simcoe County? The Baldwin Act of 1849 established the foundation of modern municipal government in Ontario. At that time, Mono and Mulmur were joined together for municipal purposes under a single council within Simcoe County. The partnership didn’t last long—after just one year, Mulmur withdrew, and on January 1, 1851, it was incorporated as its own municipality. Between 1869 and 1880, discussions began about reorganizing county boundaries, including proposals to divide Simcoe County into two or to create a new county from parts of Wellington, Grey, and Simcoe. This new county would eventually become Dufferin County. Although Mulmur supported remaining part of Simcoe, the Legislative Assembly ultimately included Mulmur in the formation of Dufferin County in January 1881. As part of this reorganization, Mulmur Township had to settle its share of Simcoe County’s assets and liabilities. To do so, it issued $20,000 in debentures at 6% interest, payable over 20 years. That would be over $600,000 today! The final payment was made in 1901. 

Photo: A map of Simcoe County, ~1850 Photo Credit: Ontariogeneology.com

Mulmur's Crest

Mulmur's Crest - Designed by Janis Steinmanis, 1984 Designed by Janis Steinmanis in 1984, the Township’s Crest is shaped as an equilateral triangle, with the "L" of the Irish print in Mulmur forming a tree. The stylized green "M" represents the hills and valleys of our Township, with the blue part under the “M” representing the Township’s streams and small lakes. The fir trees represent the forests, and the stock of grain represents the main industry of agriculture. In the clear blue sky above the “M”, we see a hawk representing the wildlife of the Township. Photo: Township Crest Photo Credit: Township of Mulmur

Honeywood

Originally known as the “Yorkshire Settlement”, much of Honeywood’s early growth can be traced to a group of young men from Yorkshire England, who in 1848, became dissatisfied with conditions in England and decided to seek opportunity in Canada. Before moving, they sent two men ahead to survey the area and choose affordable homesteads. The land they chose belonged to Mr. Wood of Toronto, who had received it as a militia grant. As the owner, he also had the right to name the settlement. According to local stories, he first tried blending his surname with his wife’s to create the name “Rosewood.” When he discovered that name was already in use elsewhere, he chose a “sweeter” alternative—combining “Wood” with “honey”—and thus Honeywood became the name of the settlement. The early settlers cleared dense forests to create rich farmland. Community life centred around an early log schoolhouse/church built in 1856 on what is now the grounds of the Honeywood Cemetery. Businesses flourished to include a post office, general store, a tailor, blacksmith, and more. Honeywood became known for its strong community spirit, with families like Broderick, Foster, Siddall, and Tupling tracing their roots back to its founding. Today, Honeywood remains a vibrant rural community, proud of its heritage and deeply connected to the pioneering families who shaped its history. Photo: Postcard, Honeywood Street Scene, Mulmur, 1909 Photo Credit: Museum of Dufferin - MoD # P-0138 A

Mansfield Outdoor Centre

The Mansfield Outdoor Centre has been part of Mulmur’s landscape for more than a century — shaped by the people who lived, played, and gathered here. This story begins as a working farm, where the 1907 farmhouse — now the heart of our Main Lodge — once served as a family home. A glimpse of that era is captured in a photo from circa 1957, showing Boyd Gennings and his cousin Dennis sitting on the farmhouse steps, with the original barn standing proudly in the background. Over time, the porch and dining hall were thoughtfully built around the original structure, preserving its character while adapting to new uses. As the years passed, Mansfield naturally evolved into a place for outdoor recreation and community connection. Families spent summers camping at the trailer park, children played and cooled off outdoors, and athletes gathered for races and events. Printed brochures, hand-drawn illustrations, early logos, and candid photographs reflect a growing reputation as a destination rooted in nature and togetherness. In 1970, the property entered a new chapter as the Mansfield Forest Club, welcoming snowmobilers and outdoor enthusiasts. By 1974, Mansfield was home to some of Ontario’s first groomed cross-country ski trails, helping define its four-season identity. New ownership in 1983 officially established Mansfield Outdoor Centre, continuing a legacy of recreation, education, and stewardship of the land. Today, Mansfield Outdoor Centre remains a place where history and future meet — welcoming families, students, athletes, and visitors to gather, explore, and create new memories on land that has been loved for generations. A living piece of Mulmur’s history — still being written. Join us on February 16th at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre Family Day Winterfest as we celebrate Mulmur’s 175th Anniversary with family, neighbours and friends. Photos: Mansfield Outdoor Centre through the years 

Photo Credit: Mansfield Outdoor Centre 

Andrew John Gibson

Did you know!? Mulmur Township was briefly home to Andrew John Gibson, one of the most well-known con men and bigamists of the 20th century! In 1897, a man calling himself Dr. Harry Westwood Cooper arrived in the community of Stanton. Polite, persuasive, and presenting himself as a medical professional, he quickly gained trust among locals. In reality, his real name was Andrew Gibson, and the impressive credentials were entirely false. While residing with a local family, he claimed to be in fragile health, and Maud Campaign was given the responsibility of looking after him. After a few weeks of courting the two snuck away to elope in Toronto. When the marriage turned out to be false, Maud returned to Stanton. Meanwhile, Dr. Cooper proceeded to San Francisco, then South Africa, England and Australia where he continued his string of cons and marriages.
Though his time in Mulmur was short, his story is a reminder that even rural townships could find themselves connected to international scandals and larger-than-life characters. The full story can be read in “The Love Pirate” in In the Hills Magazine.

Gilbert's Department Store

Gilbert’s Department Store was a cornerstone of rural life in Mansfield. First established by Cornelius Beazer, the business was taken over in 1867 by William Gilbert, and later by his son, Hezekiah Gilbert. Under the Gilbert family, the store became much more than a place to shop—it grew into a true community hub. At various times, Gilbert’s housed the post office, operated as a hotel, and served as a central trading point for local residents. Settlers often exchanged eggs and produce for everyday necessities such as flour, sugar, and hardware, making the store an essential part of daily living in the area. What began as a traditional general store has since evolved into the modern brick and glass building that continues to serve Mansfield today. Gilbert’s legacy reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and social importance of rural merchants in Ontario’s history—a tradition of service, community connection, and local support that still shapes Mansfield’s identity. Photos: 1. Gilbert's General Store, Mansfield 1900 Image: MoD # P-3238 Museum of Dufferin

Whitfield

Whitfield—originally known as Beechnut Corners—emerged as a major settlement along Hurontario Street in the 1820s. Early village plans were prepared by Hugh Campbell and James Whitley (whom later gave the community its name). The Christ Church was built in 1874, with members of the congregation hauling the bricks all the way from Proton and contributing much of the labour themselves. The structure still stands today and is one of the earliest surviving pioneer buildings in Mulmur. In 1870, Whitfield School SS#4 was constructed at the corner of Lot 10 (present day Prince of Wales Road and 10 Sideroad). This building was later replaced by the brick schoolhouse that continues to stand as a visible reminder of Whitfield’s educational heritage. At its peak, Whitfield was a thriving settlement, home to stores, sawmills, blacksmith shops, a lime kiln, a school, churches, a post office, taverns, and an Orange Lodge. Today, Whitfield preserves much of this rich heritage through its historic church, former schoolhouse, and longstanding family farms—each contributing to the enduring legacy of one of Mulmur’s most vibrant early communities. Photo: Christ Church Anglican, Whitfield, Mulmur, 1954 MoD# P-3805-006-1 Museum of Dufferin

Dufferin Power and Light Company

Originally known as the Dufferin Power and Light Company, the Pine River Light and Power Company operated from 1908 to 1915 and was one of Ontario’s earliest private electricity providers. Founded by T.R. Huxtable of Horning’s Mills, the company supplied electricity when many rural areas still depended on candles and kerosene lamps.

The first powerhouse was built in Horning’s Mills, followed by a second dam and powerhouse in Mulmur around what is now the Pine River Provincial Fishing Area.

Between 1908 and 1909, the company successfully amalgamated with the Orangeville and Shelburne power plants and in 1908, the company received permission—at its own expense—to relocate sections of River Road and install poles and wiring to serve Shelburne, Horning’s Mills, and parts of Orangeville. Financial difficulties quickly arose however, and in 1911 the company was reorganized and renamed the Pine River Light and Power Company.

In 1915, the Hydro Electric Power Commission took over operations, issuing 20-year service contracts to Orangeville and Shelburne.

Although the company’s lifespan was short, Pine River Light and Power played a significant role in modernizing the region, marking the transition from traditional lighting methods to electric power and laying important groundwork for future development. Ruins of the Mulmur powerhouse can still be seen today along the Kilgorie section of the Bruce Trail. Photo: Pine River Light and Power Company 1911-1915 MoD # P-0242 Museum of Dufferin

Mansfield Ski Club

What began as one man’s dream in the rolling hills of Mulmur has grown into one of Mulmur’s most beloved family ski destinations. Mansfield Ski Club, now home to nearly 500 families, traces its roots back to the passion and determination of founder John Low, whose love for skiing was sparked in his youth at a small club near Burlington.

Low envisioned a ski area closer to the city than Collingwood—and in 1961, he rallied a group of skiing enthusiasts to purchase 50 acres of Mulmur farmland. Together, they established what was then known as Mansfield Skiways.

The club officially opened on December 22, 1962, operating with a rental fleet of just 20 pairs of skis and a ski school staffed by only two instructors.

Ski racing arrived at Mansfield in 1968, and through the 1970s and early 1980s, the program supported 40–60 racers annually. Today, Mansfield’s racing program has expanded to include hundreds of athletes each season!

In 1983, a group of dedicated season pass holders purchased the ski area, establishing the Mansfield Ski Club. Today, Mansfield Ski Club boasts top-tier snowmaking, modern lifts, vibrant social events, and facilities designed with families in mind. Embracing everything the beautiful landscape of Mulmur has to offer, the Mansfield Ski Club remains proud of its humble beginnings and the legacy shaped by its founders more than six decades ago. Photo Credit: Mansfield Ski Club