Athens, Ontario
| Athens | |
|---|---|
| Township (lower-tier) | |
| Township of Athens | |
Athens Main Street
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 Athens
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| Coordinates: 44°37.5′N 75°57′W / 44.6250°N 75.950°WCoordinates: 44°37.5′N 75°57′W / 44.6250°N 75.950°W | |
| Country |
 Canada
|
| Province |
 Ontario
|
| County | Leeds and Grenville |
| Settled | 1792 |
| Incorporated | January 1, 1998 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Herb Scott |
| • Federal riding | Leeds–Grenville |
| • Prov. riding | Leeds–Grenville |
| Area | |
| • Land | 127.77 km2 (49.33 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 3,118 |
| • Density | 24.4/km2 (63/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| Postal Code | K0E |
| Area code(s) | 613 |
| Website | www.athenstownship.ca |
Athens (2011 Population 3,118) is a township in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It is located approximately 25 km north of the St. Lawrence River, near Brockville, west of Addison, and about 90 km south west of Ottawa. Formerly, it was a part of Yonge township before becoming Rear of Yonge and Escott with Athens as its own census division and finally, Athens township. The township consists of the town of Athens and a few other small communities.
Formerly known as Farmersville, Benoni Wiltse, a United Empire Loyalist, and his brothers settled in the town of Athens in 1792. Farmersville was renamed to Athens in 1888 by Arza Parish in honour of Athens, Greece, because it was an educational centre with grammar school, a model school for teacher training, and a high school. Currently, the town of Athens is known for a series of large outdoor murals depicting historical local life, painted on the sides of various buildings.
Each year, a summer fair is held, called "Cornfest". This fair celebrates the harvest of corn and is held on the 3rd Saturday of August annually. Another celebration that is held each year is called the "Farmersville Exhibition", and is also known as "Steam Fair." This fair celebrates the agricultural heritage of the town, and includes steam engines and antique tractors. This takes place in July.
Athens has its own high school Athens District High School, which is under the Upper Canada District School Board, as well as a live entertainment venue Joshua Bates Centre which features a series of live musical performances each year.
Aside from Athens, the township consists of the communities of: Anoma Lea, Beales Mills, Charleston, Glen Elbe, Glen Morris, Hayes Corners, Wiltsetown.
Beales Mills, Ontario is a small settlement located southwest of the town of Athens, close to Charleston. The community was settled around the mid-19th century by a Benjamin Beale for whom the settlement was named. Beale established a sawmill, gristmill, and a flour mill along the creek located through the settlement, now known as Beales Creek, as well as a shingle manufacturing business.
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