By the 1860s, Meadowvale boasted a shoemaker, two blacksmiths, a carriage and harness maker, wagon shop, cooperage, carpenter, minister, postmaster, Methodist church, a school and schoolmaster, two sawmills, a chopping mill, and the large grist mill. Meadowvale was also home to a famed musical band and, for many years, to an annual Meadowvale Band Garden Party, featuring classical music of Caruso and poetry of Tennyson. The village also became known for its literary and debating society. Known as “The Fortnightly Club”, they edited a small community paper called the “Meadowvale Mirror”. The first hotel in Meadowvale was established by a local blacksmith, George Bell, in 1844. Matthew Laidlaw added a second hotel in 1852. Both buildings survive today. Meadowvale Village also became a haven for artists, including members of the Group of Seven, George Chavignaud, Clara Harris and Fred Haines, amongst many others. Happy 190th (or so) anniversary to Meadowvale Village!
