1812-1865The Billings Bridge community formed in the fertile and forested land around the Rideau River. Its location made it an idyllic place to settle, yet there was one major drawback: the settlers needed a bridge so that they could cross the river and sell their products at the Bytown Market. Braddish Billings operated a ferry across the Rideau, prior to building a bridge in 1831. Local settlers pulled together to raise money for this vital structure, which would span the Rideau River from Bank Street. People originally called it the Farmers Bridge, but by 1859 both the structure and the community that grew around it became commonly known as Billings Bridge.
The Village of Billings Bridge did not spring up because of a single family. Shortly after Braddish Billings first settled in 1812, other families began to homestead in the area. According to the Belden Atlas of 1879, the Dow and Williams families settled along the north bank of the Rideau River in Nepean shortly after the Billings, and by 1819, the Doxeys, Ottersons, and Wilsons had settled nearby. William Smyth arrived in 1821. He became a pillar of the community who served as District Councillor, Reeve, and Township Treasurer. Building the BridgeBuilding the bridge was a community effort. People pledged money through subscriptions, initiated by Braddish Billings and William Smyth, who gave £25 each. The subscriptions were issued several times because the bridge continuously washed out. One example from1862 reads: Subscriptions to assist in building a bridge […] the River Rideau from Gloucester to the [island?] in the place where the bridge known as Billings Bridge was and also for repairing a certain pier and building another pier in said River above said [bridge].
We the undersigned do hereby promise and agree to pay into the hands of Braddish Billings, James Brown, Archibald McKellar or William Smith [sic] (merchant) the amounts which we have signed opposite our respective names said amounts as to be paid at the time hereinafter mentioned The one half thereof to be paid when said bridge is built and the other half to be paid on the 15th day of January next for the purposes aforesaid. Braddish Billings held a prominent place in the community, and people trusted him to take funds for the bridge. He also contributed generously, making the highest pledge at sixteen pounds. Bridge Timeline
Early ServicesAs more settlers moved into the area, demand for services increased. In 1823, Braddish Billings built the first sawmill in the area. This service allowed settlers to get milled lumber conveniently on site, rather than order it downriver from Merrickville or Hull. Hugh Mason served the area as the first blacksmith. He created a stir among local farmers by constructing an iron plough that “won third prize at the provincial exhibition in Toronto.” He and wagon maker Andrew Waterson both found their services in high demand in this primarily agricultural community. In 1859, William Smyth opened a general store that supplied the residents with everyday items. An insurance policy described this business as, a frame building clapboarded outside and painted, lathed and plastered inside, just finished 25x 30 one storey and a half high, occupied by Mr. Smyth as dwelling and country store situated on Lot No.18 Junction Gore in the Township of Gloucester.
A receipt from 1867 shows that the store sold bread, salt, sugar, rice, flour, oatmeal, tea, cheese, nails, paper, envelopes, and medicine, among other things. The development of better roads and the introduction of the railway truly opened up Billings Bridge to settlement. Because it was easier to transport and therefore sell agricultural products, the community’s population surged. This in turn created a demand for a post office. The receipt of postal recognition was symbolic of an established community. Billings Bridge Village received postal recognition in 1859, but it was not until April 1, 1865 that the Village opened its first postal office.
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