Friday, July 15, 2022 3Brooklin Town Crier The triangular piece of land in the middle of historic downtown Brooklin is named for Charles J. Grass who owned it. Bounded by Roebuck and Baldwin Streets and Cassels Road, Grass Park has an interesting history. The property was first purchased by Joseph Wilkinson in 1855. He built the Globe Hotel on the land and, under the management of Clement Dawes, it became known as the village's social and political hub. Wilkerson sold the property 11 years later to James Powell who continued to do an extensive trade in travellers staying there. Later, proprietors B. McQuay, V. Woodruff and Thomas Chinn also experienced similar successes. The prosperous times, however, ended abruptly on February 11, 1885, when the hotel was de- stroyed by fire. Became a park The lot sat vacant until 1907 when Grass bought the land and transformed it into a park by planting trees and installing tables. It became a popular spot for cottagers driving north through the village to stop and have a meal. A deep well, once used by the Globe Hotel, provided water for the picnickers while the Brooklin Horticultural Society maintained the property. When Grass died in 1941, he willed the park to the Township of Whitby which declined to accept the bequest. So his wife Jennie took control. After her death in 1949, their daughter Harriet Fraser offered the land to the Township for $1,600, but council could not agree on the price. Residents came together In 1951, Fraser once more offered the land to the Township. But when Brooklin residents realized they could lose the park to developers, they came together to raise the money required. A committee, chaired by A. J. Cook, was formed to save the park. Collectors divided up the village and surrounding communities into districts and went door-to-door asking for donations. It took until July 6 to raise the full amount till finally on July 10, 1951, the park was registered as public property. When the Town and Township of Whitby amalgamated in 1968, Grass Park became the property of the newly formed Town of Whitby and today is maintained by the Town's Parks and Recreation Department. Events were held in Grass Park as early as 1911 when the Brooklin Spring Fair debuted. Group 74 hosted the first Harvest Festival in September of 2000 and, in December, started an Old Tyme Christmas with carolling around the spruce tree which was planted by the Brooklin Community Club in 1955. Television shows and movies have been filmed in the park. Other annual attractions include Brooklin Creates in June and Music in the Park in July and August. Certainly when Brooklin residents pitched in to buy Grass Park all those years ago, it turned out to be a prescient and productive venture that has been a benefit to the community ever since. The Heart of Brooklin: Grass Park By Jennifer Hudgins Brooklin's Community Newspaper Proud to be a Brooklinite Since 2000. Published 24 times per year. Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 • editorofbtc@gmail.com • Circulation 8000 • Delivery via Canada Post Locally owned and operated. A publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: Email: mulcahy42@rogers.com Next Issue: Friday, August 26, 2022 Deadline: Friday, August 19, 2022 Brooklin TOWN CRIER.com