Forest Ontario
           Forest is situated on what was once dense forest. When the Grand Trunk Railway was built through where the town now sits, the station was named for the dense forest. Hickory Creek, which meanders through the town, provided water for the station in those days when wood and water were essential to the operation of steam locomotives.

            The first post office, in 1859, was then named Forest. The site was very near the junction of three township boundaries, with parts of Warwick, Plympton and Bosanquet townships all annexed into the town. None of these townships remain as political units due to amalgamation, with Bosanquet joining Forest in forming Lambton Shores (along with the villages of Arkona and Grand Bend).

          The industry of the town was initially tied to the abundant fruit growing operation ... there was once a canning factory and a basket factory in Forest. In more recent years the town has become a dormitory community for the city of Sarnia (and to a lesser extent London, Ontario). Support to the extensive tourism area along the shores of nearby Lake Huron also supports several businesses. Several small factories supporting the auto industry have also opened in the past few years.

   


 
 
An early Forest fireman ca. 1880s
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A couple of early Forest shoe sales girls. This photo is by  L. Yost of Forest Ontario. Judging by the style of clothes it could be ca. 1890s.
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ca.1927-8 Forest High School.
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Here are the names for the above pic. Maybe some day I will type them for this spot.

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A prosperous looking Forest family ca.1880s

                        
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Forest Train Station ca.1910                                                                       


Yet another view of the Forest Station. ca.1907
                                                                                                    


                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    


                                                                                                       



                                                                               




                                                                                                      



                                                                                                      


                                                                                                       



                                                                                              





                                                                                                  

                                                                                          


                                                                                                   

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                         

                                                                             

                                                                                                           




We are always looking for vintage Petrolia & area pics of anything to buy or borrow for copying. If you have pictures that I can borrow I only need a few minutes to scan them.
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