King Creek

For additional information: 

Album of Oldies / Gillham,  Elizabeth McClure

Early Settlement of King / Gillham, Elizabeth McClure

Timeless King

Tweedsmuir History: Laskay

The early success of King Creek developed mainly from the foresight of Christopher Stokes. He was originally from England, emigrated to Canada in 1827, and settled in Machell’s Corner (Aurora). In 1834, Stokes bought 200 acres, lot 4 & 5, concession 7 in King Township.  Four years later he built a grist and flour mill on the creek lot 4.  Prior to the building of the mill, there was a general store known as McMillan’s Store, on the corner of lot 6, north of King sideroad.  The store relocated to lot 4, concession 7, south of the creek, near the mill.  This busy little centre, known first at Stoke’s Hollow, later as King Creek, gained an important place in the history of the Township.   
In 1866 postal service came to the area and a post office officially named King Creek was accommodated in the General Store. Alex McMillan was the first postmaster, followed by William Stokes, Jesse Nunn, William Humphreys: the last one was Archibald D. Campbell. The post office closed in 1913 when rural mail was instituted in the township. 
 On account of the excellent water power provided, King Creek, on the east branch of the Humber River, was once a thriving community with a flour mill, hotel, grist mill, general store and shoe shop. 

Traction steam engine hauling a threshing machine on Mill Rd, King Creek, 1909
Photo from Album of Oldies/ Elizabeth McClure Gillham