September 1825

As the muggy days of August rolled into the cooler weather of September, the settlers had all made their way to Scott’s Plains. Stretching across the flood plain of the Otonabee River, from its riverbank westward to near where Monaghan Road is today, they camped in army style tents. Family groups settled around campfires used both to give a little warmth when needed and over which they prepared all daily meals. The focus was now upon selecting a 100-acre section of land upon which they would settle permanently. As each family chose their land, it was recorded by Peter Robinson’s staff at The Depot as Scott’s Plains was also now becoming known.

Having confirmed a property, the family was issued a Location Ticket, giving permission to begin residing on that land. A log shanty was constructed in which all the family members would live during their first years in Upper Canada. A small dwelling, with dirt floor and sloping log roof to shed rain and snow, the back woods shanty home was a simple homestead.