4 Friday, January 26, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com By Jennifer Hudgins A rundown old farm- house, a family known for its cattle breeding, another for its local business, and a world-class diabetes centre are all inexorably linked in Brooklin's rich history. At 360 Columbus Road East sits the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre. But it began more humbly in the early 19th century when James Dryden (1806-1881) built his family homestead on 200 acres of land and created Maple Shade Farm in 1832. Barnes and the last acre Four generations of the Dryden family lived there for 133 years till, in 2002, Rick and Brenda Barnes of Barnes Memorial Funeral Home acquired the final acre of property that remained after the last of the Drydens retired and sold the farm to developers. Acting under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Barnes invested time and resources to pre- serve not just the physical structure but also its rich history. They sold the house and property to the Best Centre in 2008. "We purchased the property when it was in a state of disrepair, facing a high risk of midnight demolition, like some other buildings at that time," Rick recalls. "Although the house was too large for our then-small family, we took pleasure in residing there. I'm pleased to say that we played a role in preserving both the property and its local history, particularly with the connection to the Dryden family." Famous breeder James Dryden was renowned for his skills as a breeder and the farm gained international recognition, particularly for Shorthorn cattle. He served as a Justice of the Peace, member of the Home District Council, and Director of the Ontario Bank. His influence also reached the railway sector where he served as President for the Port Whitby and Port Perry railway. In local governance, he held roles as Whitby Township Deputy Reeve in 1852 and later as Reeve from 1856 to 1858. Upon his death, his son John (1840-1909) inherited his father's passion for farming, politics, and business. He took on sole ownership of Maple Shade, expanding the farm by adding Clydesdale horses and Shropshire sheep. He, too, held leadership roles including President of the Dominion Shorthorn Breeders' Association and the American Shropshire Sheep Association. And, like his father, he also directed the American Clydesdale Association and was a Director of the Whitby, Port Perry, and Lindsay Railway. In his early 20s, he was secre- The Drydens and Maple Shade Farm The Whitby Wolves U11 AA team recently won the Florida Rush tournament in Palm Beach, extending its season-long record (including tournaments) to 36-2-4. Six of the girls are from Brooklin: Eli Mulford, Ava Cornacchia, Leah Sims, Zoe Rose, Paige Lee and Elin Death. In the photo are Molly Minchella (checking to get the puck) while Ava Cornacchia (on the right) supports. The opponent that game, which Whitby won 6-2, was the Jr Valley Warriors from Massachusetts. Wolves Win in Florida continued on page 5