For cyclists and pedestrians, the Rail Trail crossing at Hwy. 21, between Southampton and Port Elgin, ties the two communities together and, on Saturday, August 8th, it became a location of historical significance with the unveiling of Saugeen Shores’ 10th interpretive plaque recognizing Sparks Corner.
Cheryl Grace, Chair of the Saugeen Shores Municipal Heritage Committee, welcomed Sparks family members, along with guest speakers and Heritage Committee members, to a special unveiling of the heritage plaque.
Each year, the Heritage Committee tries to produce two plaques that commemorate significant people, places and events that have contributed to the history and tradition of the community.
“Saugeen Shores has more historical plaques than any other municipality in Bruce County,” said Grace, “and I want to thank Saugeen Shores Councils through the years for investing in these important windows to our past.”
She went on to explain that, in 2025, the committee chose two subjects – the 25th anniversary of the amalgamation of Saugeen Shores and the history of Sparks Corner.
Former Heritage Committee Chair and local historian, Bill Streeter, suggested the commemoration plaque for Sparks Corner based on his broad knowledge of local history and his personal links to the Corner.
Streeter contributed significant research to the plaque augmented by resources from Shirley Rothwell’s history of the Sparks family, the Bruce County Museum (provided photos), the late John Weichel’s writings and Robin Hilborn.
“When we choose a location for one of these plaques,” added Grace, “we almost always locate it on public land, and in a safe place that’s easily accessible. We would have liked to locate this at the Corner itself, but given today’s traffic, we felt that this location at the Rail Trail would be safer, and have much higher visibility for visitors using the Trail.”
She also pointed out that the proximity of the plaque to Hi-berry Market Garden farm is particularly appropriate given the Sparks family’s own market gardening business legacy.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau and owner of Hi-Berry farm also said that the unveiling was particularly special to him. “I grew up here and, basically for my whole life, watched how it has evolved and changed, and it is a great thing to now have the history of this place and to see the family members here. The family has one of the most famous names in our community. Everybody, including those who move here, know and learn the name Sparks Corner as it’s a key landmark. To have the history of that told here, with the help of our Heritage Committee and the work of Bill Streeter, is so appropriate in this prominent location where thousands of people pass by here every year and who will see and learn the history for years to come.”
Bill Streeter also told the group of his personal connection to Sparks Corner . The Sparks Corner was a hub of the entire region with roads from Owen Sound, Elora and Kincardine coming together and, where as a youth, he worked on what was then the farm. Among his many memories of the Sparks family was working with Archie Sparks at his small farm on the 6th Concession. “Archie had an acreage of grain and we always went to his place to thresh after my uncle’s farms were completed. Archie had three daughters, named Elsie, Ella and Mabel. They are older than I and two are still living in the area. Meals for the threshers were sensational. Young teenagers are known for their food consumption skills and I was no exception. I can still hear Archie’s voice saying, “Come on now sonny, clean up the bowls so that the ladies can wash them”.”
Gail Sparks and her brother Elgin are the last two surviving Sparks who lived at Sparks Corner. “It was sold in March 1956, when the new highway came through, but I remember my mother saying she would get up at dawn to bake pies for the threshing crew, hoping they would last for lunch and dinner. But, after eating them all at lunch, she would have to start baking again for dinner, all on a wood stove. I am so happy to be here and to see the Sparks name memorialized.”
A granddaughter, Kathy Harris, also expressed that, “We deeply appreciate our roots and appreciate the community for ensuring the legacy of the Sparks name continues.”
The plaque illustrates that the Sparks family has contributed much more than a notable name to a famous crossroads, through its contributions to the economy and community of Saugeen Shores. The history of Sparks Corner itself also offers a window into the importance of transportation, industry and community to the development of Saugeen Shores.
For more on the history of Sparks Corner … CLICK HERE.
