January 14, 2003:

This page was inspired by an exchange of e-mails between Mike Epp, one of the 
original settlers in the 1960s of Barrhaven, and Taylor Kennedy whose ancestors 
farmed on Jockvale Road beginning in the 1830's.

Barrhaven was created in the 1960's. Since then, many of the original farms have been
subdivided and built on. If you go to the main page on this web site (there's a link
at the bottom of this page), you'll find a search engine which helps you to find pioneer
families (Burnett, Houlahan, Watters, Nesbitt, Clothier and many others) or local areas 
within or near Barrhaven, such as Fallowfield and Jockvale).

Further down on this page (under date of January 17, 2003, there is an article
titled "Barrhaven - Growing up in the 1970’s" by Mike Epp.

>Hello Taylor,
>
>My name is Mike Epp. I have lived my entire life in Barrhaven.
>Growing up here I have always had an interest in the history of the area. I
>try my best to recall the locations of the old farmhouses, barns,
>foundations and other landmarks in the area, but it was a long time ago. I
>recall buying eggs from the Nesbitt family on the corner of Fallowfield and
>Greenbank. Anyway, I have looked around the net and have found several 
>items that you have posted. They are very interesting. I hope you might be able 
>to >help me a bit or steer me to someone who may help with a few questions. I
>actually have dozens of questions, but I won't burden you. All I really 
>have is the 1879 map and your 1929 map.
>
>1. The 1929 map indicates the location of the Fallowfield Station. It seems
>to be located where the new Strandherd intersects the tracks (near the
>McKenna house that was demolished a few years ago). Is this right? Do you
>know when the station was demolished?
>
>2. How old is the Kennedy home on Jockvale that is now the church?
>
>3. Forced Road was obviously redirected to it's current Jockvale Rd
>location. However, I recall many summer days playing on "the old Highway",
>as we called it, that ran more parallel to Fallowfield Rd. and intersected
>Cedarview one or two hundred yards from the current  Fallowfield/ Cedarview
>intersection (closer to the School). Perhaps Jockvale was redirected twice.
>Any comments?
>
>4. Wondering why the Jockvale School site is called McKenna Park instead of
>Fogarty Park?
>
>5. The old Mowat farm: was that the Quintan / Quinlan farm indicated on the 1879 map?
>
>6. The stone house to the right of the Mowat barn: is that the Burnett farm
>house? I recall another cattle barn down the hill from this house, where 
>the park is now.
>
>7. The old stone house that used to be off of Jockvale (now off of Malvern)
>that belonged to Mr. Monk in the 80's (not sure who is there now): Is that
>the P.Waters / Watters or the M.Waters house indicated on the 1879 map?
>
>I could keep going. I would like to learn more about our area and any help
>you may provide would really be appreciated.
>
Thanks,
Mike
_________________________________________________________

Hello Mike
Nice to hear from you and your interest in Barrhaven.

I don't live in Carleton, more so by Hamilton Ont., and the buildings 
disappear faster than I can get back there, thus my knowledge and locations 
is limited. As you can see I have copied Al Lewis who is more knowledgable 
in old buildings, names and parks, so he may be able to help you out there 
and at the same time your information may 
help him. A win - win situation.

The Kennedy house in Barrhaven was built about 1903 - 1905 by Michael Joseph 
Kennedy who was the grandson od William Kennedy, and was built during their 
stay in the original farmhouse. I will be sending three "doc" files that has 
some stories to read. Kennevale in Barrhaven, as many of the streets were 
named after the early settlers.

Jockvale Road also know as the forced road, was originally cut by the 
Indians. Many men, women, children, Indians and soldiers have travelled that 
route by foot in the early 1800's. Amazing isn't it?

The school in Jockvale has an interesting twist to it.
Any story of how school facilities developed in Jockvale must include the 
account of the Great Madden double-cross. At least Dad's (Michael J. 
Kennedy) version of it. It seems that the people of the community could not 
decide on whether to build the new two-room school on the forced road, where 
most of the people lived, or a half-mile to the east on the so called "upper 
concession", where Pat Madden lived.  So a referendum was decided upon, to 
settle the question in a democratic way.  Presumably, meetings were held and 
propaganda issued.  On voting day, volunteers were busy picking up voters 
and carrying them to the polling place.  Uncle Dick Tierney was one of those 
transporting voters favoring the Madden location (Mrs. Madden was his 
sister).  His action led to some coolness in the Tierney-Kennedy relations.  
Anyhow, when the dust settled and the votes were counted, the forced road 
location, which Dad favored, led in the vote.  Dad and his supporters 
settled back, confident that they had won the contest.  They had, it was 
true, but Pat Madden was the one responsible for having the plans for the 
new school drawn up.  It was only when construction of the school was well 
under way, that the "forced-road" group realized that, although the school 
was being built where they wanted it to be, it was facing to the east, away 
from the road, with only a long windowless side facing the forced road on 
the west.

You will notice even today you enter from the rear of the building.

The 1929 map was completed by Desmond Kennedy who wrote about his life in 
Jockvale on the farm. Talked about the River Jock, hauling ice from there in 
the winter for the barn.

I am still working on the Watters side so I can't confirm who's house it 
was. Also I don't know when the Jockvale Station was demolished but I copied 
a story out of the Ottawa Citizen last year to the City's expectation of 
running trains again through that point.

Sorry I couldn't be much help, but I hope what I sent you will answer some 
questions.
Take care
Taylor Kennedy
____________________________________________

Hi Taylor, Lorne and Mike:

Thanks for your e-mails.

I'll answer you three sometime tomorrow night. This is interesting stuff.
Lorne Burnett dropped over last week. He knows a lot
about the location of the farms, buildings, etc.

Talk to you all later.
... Al
_____________________________________________
Hello,

Thanks for your reply Taylor. Interesting stuff. I will have to check out
the Nepean Museum and have a look at "The Kennedy Story" and whatever else
they may have.

I guess there are a few Burnetts still in the area. I used to work with Anne
Burnett. I recall she had a great deal of knowledge of the area. I
wish I had written down everything she had told me.

I grew up on Roberta Cres. Our house was the third built in '65. As an adult
I used to live on Bridgewater, off of Kennivale! I now reside in Chapman Mills. 
Our house backs onto the old maple grove behind the old Collins
place. Minto tore down their barn buildings this past summer. I was able to
have a look around when it was vacant prior to the demolishion. I wish I had
a farmer with me to explain one of the barns. It had stairs to the 2nd level
where there seemed to be some large boxed off areas with lots of feathers in
them. Come to think of it, there were feathers all over. I did not
understand this because there was the regular chicken coup building near by.
I know that there were cattle grazing in those fields years ago, but I did
not see a normal cattle barn. The nice old stone house is still there, all
boarded up solid. I am not sure what their plan is. I hope it remains.

In the centre of the maple grove I found an old shack that still had very
old cut wood in it. There was not longer even a path leading to it. There
are rusted-out metal buckets and a large rusted tub. There are inscriptions
on the shacks inner walls, dates and numbers. I assumed that at one point
they collected and produced maple syrup there.

Anyway, I would really appreciate learning more about the area. I would love
to find more detailed maps of the area from the 1800's up to 1970. If anyone
has any ideas please let me know.
Thanks,
Mike
January 17, 2003:

Barrhaven - Growing up in the 1970’s
by Mike Epp

Growing up in Barrhaven in the 1970’s was a unique experience. We were isolated 
from the city by the Greenbelt. Yet we were close enough that we could not really be 
considered small-town folk. However, we were similar in many respects to a small town 
in that we all knew each other, or we were at least familiar enough with most people 
to say hello. There was a real sense of community. Our isolation also meant that a lot 
of recreation took place in the common areas and in the surrounding forests and fields. 
Yet our proximity to the city meant that the recreational activities that it offered 
were still often enjoyed.

My family moved to Barrhaven in 1965, just as the development began. I was born in 1967, 
so my memory of the area begins in the early 1970’s. Residential Barrhaven by this time 
was roughly bordered by Fallowfield Road to the North, Larkin to the South, Tripp to 
the East and Langholm (the top of the hill) to the West. Of course there were also a 
scattering of farmhouses and a few other homes on Jockvale, Greenbank, Fallowfield 
and Woodroffe.

There were no shopping malls or grocery stores until the late 1970’s. There was the 
McIntosh Grocery Store on Greenbank Road near Fallowfield. Mr. McIntosh was a very 
friendly, tall, white-haired man who was active in the community and was well liked. 
It was a big deal when the Mac’s Milk strip-mall opened around the corner, bringing 
F+M Pizza and Lotus Chinese food to Barrhaven! Unfortunately, Mr. McIntosh lost business 
from this competition.

There was no Walter Baker Centre, but we had two very active baseball diamonds as well 
as the ice rink, all located on the Barrhaven Public School grounds. Of course, street 
hockey was also a very popular athletic activity .The school was the focal point for 
many of the communities events such as the Barrhaven Field Day, the Winter Carnival 
and of course softball and baseball, which were both extremely popular at the time. 
The school grounds were also the location for the regular evening visits by the Nepean 
Bookmobile.  It was essentially a library on wheels and it was always popular.

Barrhaven Public School also marked the last checkpoint before entrance into the 
greatest playground a child could ask for. This consisted of acres of land containing 
forests, fields, cliffs, ponds and a few small “junk yards” containing many treasures. 
Cattle could still be seen grazing in these fields until the mid 1970’s.  

All that remains of the main forest in that area is the small patch behind Barrhaven 
Public School. The forest used to take up much of the North-West section of the Walter 
Baker Centre  property. Fields surrounded the forest on three sides. There was a small 
frog pond on the West, where “soakers” and disease were of no concern to us children 
as we hunted for frog eggs and other fun messy stuff.
 
There were rumours of older kids finding Indian arrowheads in the area, which were 
likely untrue but they certainly aided in our interest in the area. I have since 
learned that nearby Forced Road (Jockvale) was an old Indian trail prior to the 
settling of the area in the 1800’s, so who knows.

The cliffs provided another source of adventure with small crevasses to explore and 
they provided a view for “miles” of the fields, forests and farmland toward the 
Rideau. The cliffs also gave us “mountaineering” experience through climbing its faces 
at various points. In the winter the daredevils among us would jump to the deep snow 
below, sometimes ending in bruises from the odd hidden rock below. What remains of the 
cliffs is now hidden behind Jockvale Public School by 25 years of tree and brush growth.  

The fields above the ridge where Fable and the Mowat Farm Park are were great for 
exploring and adventure for a number of reasons. One reason was the rumour that Farmer 
Mowat had a salt gun and that he would use to shoot trespassers. I am sure that this 
was just a rumour, but it did keep us on our toes and very few would dare wander too 
close to their farmhouse, barn and garage. The other reason the area was popular was 
the number and variety of abandoned husbandry and vehicles. Of greatest interest was 
an armored military vehicle that we referred to as “the ammunitions carrier”. The 
imaginative play and exploration in this area was memorable.

The main summer event for the community was the Barrhaven Field Day. In its early 
years it was nothing like it’s recent carnation. It had no fancy rides or high 
pressure/high priced carnival games. There were pony rides, potato-sack races, three-legged 
races, balance-an-egg-on-a-spoon races, beanbag tosses, bobbing for apples, bicycle 
decorating contests, etc. For the other racing enthusiasts there were a variety of 
bicycle races and the popular Soapbox Derby races down Larkin hill. There were always 
a good variety of these homemade go-carts, made in a variety of shapes with plywood and 
wagon wheels. Many were painted with stripes and numbers and they were the pride and 
joy of the youths who created them (often with their Dad’s help!). Remarkably, no one 
was ever really hurt. The Field Day was completely organized and run by members of 
the community.

This is just a sampling of a typical Barrhaven child’s life in the 1970’s. I could go 
on, but I think this in enough to paint a pretty good picture. There were also the 
adventures on “the Old Highway” area west of the community. There were the Movie Nights. 
There were the bicycle rides “way out” into the country, far away from Barrhaven, 
to places like Strandherd Rd., or to the distant town of Fallowfield.

While attending school outside of Barrhaven the “city folk” would often ask, “What do 
you guys do out there? It must have been so boring growing up there!”. I could only smile. 
Boring? No way! Unique? Absolutely!

Mike Epp
January, 2003

January 24, 2003:
Hello everyone, 

I hope you are all doing well. I have being doing a lot of reading on your site Al. 
The research work that you all have done is incredible. I have a number of questions, 
some from my first e-mail. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. I wish 
there was something I could contribute, but I don't think I know anything that 
you don't.

Taylor: have you transcribed the entire "Kennedy Story"? I would love to read it. 

The 1879 map shows a school at the Jockvale School site. Was there another school 
there prior to the building of the existing one in the early 1900's? 

The 1929 map indicates the location of the Fallowfield Station. It seems to be have 
been located where the new Strandherd intersects the train tracks (near the McKenna 
house that was demolished a few years ago). Is this right? Do you know when the 
station was last used/demolished? 

Lorne: Forced Road was obviously redirected to it's current Jockvale Rd location. 
However, I recall many summer days playing on "the old Highway", as we called it. 
This abandoned road ran more parallel to Fallowfield Rd. and intersected Cedarview 
one or two hundred yards from the current Fallowfield/ Cedarview intersection 
(closer to the School), not at the Cederview/Fallowfield intersection like on the 
1879 map. Was Jockvale was redirected twice? 

Anyone know why the Jockvale School site is called McKenna Park instead of Fogarty 
Park since he donated the land? 

The old Mowat farm: was that the Quintan / Quinlan farm indicated on the 1879 map? 
I just drove by the other day and it is a Bed and Breakfast now. It has also been 
renovated with new brick, etc. Or, was it torn down and this new house built? 

Lorne: The stone house to the right of the Mowat barn: is that the old Burnett 
farm house in the 1879 map? I recall there was another cattle barn down the hill 
from this house, where the park is now. 

The old stone house that used to be off of Jockvale (now off of Malvern) that 
belonged to Mr. Monk in the 80's (not sure who is there now): Is that the P.Waters / 
Watters or the M.Waters house indicated on the 1879 map? 

Curious about the Larkin property. Anyone know who owned it between the Larkin family 
and Mr.Barr? I know that Mr. Madden had a cheese factory at keystone corners in the 
early 1900's. Was this on the Larkin property? When did Mr.Barr buy the property? 
Anyone know the Barr story? 


This is it for now. Sorry for all the questions. I know it takes time to answer and 
that you are all busy. 

Al, if it is OK with you, I am going to put together a section for the Barrhaven 
page that has links and excerpts to your other pages containing interesting 
information about the area and it's pioneer families. Let me know if you think that 
is a good idea.
Take care, 
Mike 
______________________________

Also posted on January 24, 2003: (Thanks to Lorne Burnett)
HI MIKE
I WILL TRY TO ANSWER YOUR  QUESTIONS
NO  1  I STAND TO BE CORRECTED BUT I THINK  THE OLD SCHOOL  WAS IN THE SAME SPOT 
MY MOTHER STARTED TO SCHOOL IN THE PRESENT SCHOOL THE YEAR IT WAS BUILT 1906
 
THE RAILROAD STATION WAS DIRECTLY ACROSS  THE TRACKS FROM THE MCKENNA HOUSE
I MET PEOPLE COMING FROM OTTAWA BY TRAIN IN 1940 OR 41
THAT WAS THE LAST IT WAS USED
 
JOCKVALE ROAD USED TO MEET FALLOWFIELD AT  THE CEDARVIEW / FALLOWFIELD INTERSECTION
IT HAS BEEN MOVED BACK TWICE
 
THE MCKENNA PARK NAME WAS JUST PLACED THERE LATELY,  NO CONNECTION 
 
THE OLD MOWAT FARM WAS AN ORIGINAL QUINLAN FARM
THE HOUSE NORTH OF THE BARN IS THE ORIGNAL  IT IS THE BED & BREAKFAST 
 
THE STONE HOUSE TO THE RIGHT OF THE BARN  WAS ALSO A QUINLAN  HOME 
 
THE BURNETTS HOME WAS IN THE VICINTY OF KANE SHERWAY FABLE  
 
THE STONE HOUSE OF SHERWAY  NOT MALVERN  BELONGED TO  THE MONK FAMILY,
PURCHASED FROM THE KEALEY FAMILY     
 
IN  ABOUT 1950
 
THE KEALEYS PURCHASED FROM THE  WATERS / WATTERS
 
 
MR BARR BOUGHT IN  ABOUT 1957.  HIS PLANS WAS TO PUT A RACE TRACK THERE   
BUT IT DID NOT WORK OUT 
 
SO  MR BARR STARTED A SUBDIVISON. 
 
HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL 
LORNE

January 24, 2003: (Thanks to Taylor Kennedy for the following .. I'm still trying
to load up a copy of the map) ... Al

Hey Guys
This attached file is an 'Excel' file. It's a map of Nepean,1879 farm map 
that I did on EXCEL. I know, it's an accounting program but like our 
ancestors, you make do with what you have. I have plotted the locations of 
the Parks, Forests and Plaques dedicated to the early pioneers. In the 
Legend are the cross streets. Hope you can all retreive it. Received a hard 
copy from cousin Paul Kennedy, son of Desmond Kennedy, author of "The 
Kennedy Story".
Taylor Kennedy
February 17, 2005:

The newly-created Barrhaven Business Improvement Association has just set up
their web site.

They also have a good map of the Barrhaven area (Fallowfield, Jockvale, Heart's Desire
and the Jock River area).
February 10, 2008:
Hello All,

A few years ago I wrote to you looking for pictures of Barrhaven in the early years 
but no one seemed to have any. Anyway, I was looking at your website again and 
wanted to write to ask if you had any other information about Barrhaven (not just 
pictures).  All of the stories are SO interesting!  Unfortunately for me, I wasn't 
born until the late 1980's and only experienced the later years of our community, but 
since then Barrhaven has changed into a small city and doesn't have that 
"community feel" it once had.  I tried writing to the Nepean Museum twice, but 
haven't had any luck in speaking to anyone there.  I figured since it was a smaller 
museum someone might have replied to my emails... I guess I was wrong.  Anyway, 
I'm not sure if any of you have any other information or historical stuff to share, 
but I'd love to know more and hear about what this great town once was!  

Check your albums for pictures too! :)  I always love seeing pictures!  Even if 
they're just backgrounds! 

Thanks again! 

Cheers,

... Tim
________________________________

Thanks to Taylor Kennedy for the following reply to Tim:

Tim
If I can make a suggestion. Check the digital maps from McGill University and 
outline the boundaries of Barrhaven on that map. Make a note of all the family 
surnames and post requests on Roots Web message board and Family Tree Maker message 
boards for those surnames. Check with Nepean Library for a book written by a Craig 
ancestor. It was all about life in that area. I don't know the name of the book but 
it is out of print and they may have a copy. If not check with the National Archives 
there in Ottawa. Also the National Archives should house pictures of the split up 
of farmlands for construction of Barrhaven as well as early postal stations, train 
stations etc. Pictures of the railroad coming through that area and them men and 
women of the timeframe.
 
And if you come across Kennedy information, please feel free to contact me.
Take care
... Taylor Kennedy
PS You can also check land patents at the National Archives as to the original 
settlers, who thay were with in the military, where they came from etc. Also the 
history of St. Patricks Church, Fallowfield. The Rectory may have information also.

June 6, 2008:

The earliest part of Barrhaven to be settled is Chapman Mills.
... Al
November 16, 2009:



 The Development Continues
Here is an article from the Ottawa Citizen, dated November 16, 2009, page C3.
This shows some work soon to be done in the Jockvale area of Barrhaven.
The project is named after some well-known pioneer families, Foster, Kennedy and Burnett.


  February 20, 2010:
 The Longfields Subdivision in Barrhaven, Nepean Township, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Here is a newspaper clipping from the Ottawa Citizen. Unfortunately the date was cut off my copy of the original.
Lois Long was interested in local history and heritage for many years and she researched many
of the original Nepean pioneer families.

   

 
E-mail Taylor Kennedy, Mike Epp, Lorne Burnett, Tim Greer and Al Lewis



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