Creemore is Home to the Smallest Jail

When you come upon the historic Village of Creemore, located 40 minutes west of Barrie, Ontario, make your way down Mill Street and past the beautifully kept century homes and vibrant downtown area, words like “quaint” and “picturesque” might come to mind. The village is nestled in the arms of the Niagara Escarpment, fed by both the Noisy and Mad Rivers and surrounded by a blanket of farm fields pulled right up to its boundaries. This alone is enough to give you a sense of stepping into a time when village and natural surroundings work hand in hand in a harmonic relationship instead of struggling against each other in the name of progress. Park the car and take a walk; there is a lot to see.

In this idyllic place it may be hard for you to envision the need for a jail, but wander over to Library Street and there it is for all to see; a 15 X 20 foot building with barred windows made of pale limestone and split face field stone. History has it the three cell jail was built in 1892 at a cost of $425.20, and although the very first inhabitant was a loose cow, it was used principally to incarcerate those who over imbibed in the seduction of alcohol and needed to sleep it off. The jail was later abandoned in 1940 and remained vacant until the 1970’s when it was opened to visitors in the summer months.  The flower gardens in season and the new museum adjacent mean you can spend some pleasant time here quite easily before heading back to Mill Street and the heart of the village.

 

The people who live here are fully aware of what a gem they have and there is a strong sense of community. For a population of only 1300, Creemore is a magnet for creative souls, and several galleries are solid proof of a healthy arts community.  Several restaurants offer myriad dining experiences, from café style at the bakery, to roadhouse style and fine dining for those who want to linger. You won’t find any of the typical franchise coffee shops or restaurants here, which is part of the allure. Instead you will find specialty shops born of owners with a passion, such as The Creemore 100 Mile Store. An appetite  for home furnishings and interior décor ideas can also be satiated here and if you brought the children, not only is there a bookstore, but a children’s emporium called Cardboard Castles.

By now you will have made your way to the south end of Mill Street and what could be more refreshing after a few hours of darting in and out of the many shops than to find Creemore Springs Brewery, which is open to the public and offers tours. I warn you, though, be mindful of how many samples you try. Rumour has it the last inmate housed at the jail stole the keys!