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Coordinates: 45°37′37″N 76°52′53″W / 45.62694°N 76.88139°W / 45.62694; -76.88139
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{{Other places|Cobden (disambiguation){{!}}Cobden}}
{{Other places|Cobden (disambiguation){{!}}Cobden}}
{{No footnotes|date=September 2014}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}
{{More footnotes needed|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Cobden
| official_name =
| native_name =
| other_name =
| settlement_type =
| image_skyline = Cobden mosbo6.jpg
| imagesize = 250px
| image_caption = Main Street in Cobden
| image_flag =
| flag_size =
| image_seal =
| seal_size =
| image_shield =
| shield_size =
| image_blank_emblem =
| blank_emblem_size =
| nickname =
| motto =
| pushpin_map = CAN ON Renfrew#Canada Southern Ontario
| pushpin_mapsize =
| coordinates = {{coord|45|37|37|N|76|52|53|W|region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{Flag|Canada}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Province]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Census divisions of Ontario|County]]
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_type4 =
| subdivision_name1 = {{Flag|Ontario}}
| subdivision_name2 = [[Renfrew County|Renfrew]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Whitewater Region]]
| subdivision_name4 =
| established_title = Post office
| established_date = 1850
| established_title2 = Incorporated village
| established_date2 = 1900
| government_type =
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
| unit_pref = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired-->
| area_footnotes = {{Citation needed|reason=The source of boundaries for population and area here is unclear|date=November 2023}}
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 1.85
| area_land_km2 =
| area_water_km2 =
| area_water_percent =
| area_urban_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 145
| population_total = 1071
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_footnotes =<ref>{{cite web |title=Census of Population|url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/index-eng.cfm |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |access-date=November 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>Population calculated by combining Dissemination Blocks 35470243003 - 35470243007 and 35470244001 - 35470244019</ref>
| population_density_km2 =
| population_urban =
| population_density_urban_km2 =
| population_metro =
| population_demonym =
| postal_code_type = [[Canadian postal code|Postal Code FSA]]
| postal_code = K0J
| area_codes = [[Area codes 613, 343, and 753|613]]
| website =
| unemployment_rate =
| leader_title2 =
| leader_name2 =
| leader_title3 =
| leader_name3 =
| leader_title4 =
| leader_name4 =
| timezone = [[Eastern Time Zone|EST]]
| utc_offset = −05:00
| timezone_DST = EDT
| utc_offset_DST = −04:00
}}


'''Cobden''' is a small community in the Township of [[Whitewater Region, Ontario|Whitewater Region]], in [[Renfrew County]], [[Ontario]], Canada. It is located {{convert|100|km}} northwest of [[Ottawa]], and roughly halfway between [[Renfrew, Ontario|Renfrew]] and [[Pembroke, Ontario|Pembroke]] on [[Highway 17 (Ontario)|Highway 17]]. [[Image:Cobdenpic.jpg|thumb|500px|Cobden as seen from the south-east]]
'''Cobden''' is a small community in the Township of [[Whitewater Region, Ontario|Whitewater Region]], in [[Renfrew County]], [[Ontario]], Canada. It is located {{convert|95|km}} northwest of [[Ottawa]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.distance-cities.com/ca/distance-ottawa-on-to-cobden-on|title=Distance between Ottawa, ON and Cobden, ON|website=www.distance-cities.com|accessdate=9 December 2023}}</ref> and roughly halfway between [[Renfrew, Ontario|Renfrew]] and [[Pembroke, Ontario|Pembroke]] on [[Highway 17 (Ontario)|Highway 17]].


==History==
==History==
Line 9: Line 86:
===Champlain's astrolabe===
===Champlain's astrolabe===
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2015}}
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2015}}
In 1613, [[France|French]] [[explorer]] [[Samuel de Champlain]], travelled through an area very near Cobden while exploring the Ottawa River. Due to the Chenaux Rapids, Champlain and his men were forced to portage. They presumably took shore in Browns Bay near present-day McKenzie's Hill. In 1953, a large rock was found in this area bearing a chiseled inscription. Though the inscription was hard to read, it was determined that it said, "Champlain Juin 2, 1613". Champlain's trail from this point is debatable. He may have cut straight across land to the southern tip of [[Jeffreys Lake]], or he may have veered south, skirting the far side of what later came to be known as the [[Champlain Trail Lakes]]. It is known that he eventually made his way to Green Lake and at this point, according to several 19th-century authors, Champlain lost his [[astrolabe]]. It stayed there for 254 years, until it was found in 1867 by [[Edward George Lee]], a 14-year-old farm boy helping his father clear trees near Green Lake (now [[Astrolabe Lake]]). Edward gave the astrolabe to Captain Cowley, a Steamboat Captain on [[Muskrat Lake]]; Lee never received the ten dollars Cowley promised him, and Cowley sold the astrolabe to his employer, President of the [[Ottawa Forwarding Company]], [[R.W. Cassels]]. The astrolabe eventually passed to [[Samuel V. Hoffman]] of the [[New York Historical Society]] in 1942, remaining there for 47 years, until acquired by the [[Department of Communications (Canada)|Department of Communications]] for the [[Canadian Museum of Civilization]] in 1989.
In 1613, the [[France|French]] [[explorer]] [[Samuel de Champlain]] travelled through an area very near Cobden while he was exploring the Ottawa River. The Chenaux Rapids forced Champlain and his men to portage. They presumably took shore in Browns Bay, near present-day McKenzie's Hill.
In 1953, a large rock was found in this area bearing a chiselled inscription. The inscription was hard to read but was determined to read, "Champlain Juin 2, 1613."
Champlain's trail from that point is debatable. He may have cut straight across land to the southern tip of [[Jeffreys Lake]], or he may have veered south, and skirted the far side of what later came to be known as the [[Champlain Trail Lakes]]. It is known that he eventually made his way to Green Lake, and at that point, according to several 19th-century authors, Champlain lost his [[astrolabe]]. It stayed there for 254 years, until it was found in 1867 by [[Edward George Lee]], a 14-year-old farm boy helping his father clear trees near Green Lake (now [[Astrolabe Lake]]).
Edward gave the astrolabe to Captain Cowley, a Steamboat Captain on [[Muskrat Lake]]; Lee never received the ten dollars that Cowley had promised him, and Cowley sold the astrolabe to his employer, the president of the [[Ottawa Forwarding Company]], [[R.W. Cassels]]. The astrolabe eventually passed to [[Samuel V. Hoffman]] of the [[New York Historical Society]] in 1942, remained there for 47 years, and was acquired by the [[Department of Communications (Canada)|Department of Communications]] for the [[Canadian Museum of Civilization]] in 1989.


In 1990, a special celebration was held in Cobden in honour of the astrolabe's return.
In 1990, a special celebration was held in Cobden in honour of the astrolabe's return.


Although it cannot be conclusively proven that the astrolabe found near this Lake indeed belonged to Champlain, the following facts should be taken into consideration:
Although it cannot be conclusively proven that the astrolabe found near the Lake indeed belonged to Champlain, the following facts should be taken into consideration:
* The bottom portion of the astrolabe is engraved 1603, the same year Champlain was commissioned "geographer Royal" to [[Henry IV of France|Henry IV]] on his first voyage to Canada.
* The bottom portion of the astrolabe is engraved 1603, the same year that Champlain was commissioned "geographer royal" to [[Henry IV of France|Henry IV]] on his first voyage to Canada.
* Champlain's reading at Gould's Landing erred by 1 degree. Subsequent readings recorded at Alumette Island also erred 1 degree.
* Champlain's reading at Gould's Landing erred by 1 degree. Subsequent readings recorded at Allumette Island also erred 1 degree.
* Apart from this reading at Alumette Island, Champlain does not enter readings for the remainder of his expedition.
* Apart from that reading at Allumette Island, Champlain does not enter readings for the remainder of his expedition.
* It was not unusual for Champlain to omit recording events and conditions in his journal. He was considered{{By whom|date=September 2014}} a laconic journalist who only dealt with facts he considered important.
* It was not unusual for Champlain to omit recording events and conditions in his journal. He was considered{{By whom|date=September 2014}} a laconic journalist who dealt only with the facts that he considered important.
* Finally, by 1611, the astrolabe had been largely replaced by the [[vernier scale]] which was considered to be far more accurate.
* By 1611, the astrolabe had been largely replaced by the [[vernier scale]], which was considered to be far more accurate.


===Founding and development===
===Founding and development===

====Early years====
====Early years====
Cobden's very existence is a circumstance of location. As Pembroke and Ottawa grew so, it seemed, did the gap between them. In the 1800s the easiest route between the two was the [[Ottawa River]]. However, the presence of rapids near [[Portage du Fort]] necessitated a land route. At this time the area was mostly a vast forest untouched by Europeans. A few settlers had put down near muskrat lake, (John Parsons, John Sheriff, Spencer Allen, Robert Allen, and others) but for the most part there had been little activity since Champlain's visit in the 17th Century. Then in 1849 [[Jason Gould (1802-1864)|Jason Gould]] built a road from what came to be called Goulds Landing to what would become Cobden on [[Muskrat lake]]. One could catch a steamer down the lake and then go on by road to Pembroke. The traffic on the road couldn't help but cause growth. In 1850 Gould built a [[Post Office]] and named the fledgling settlement Cobden after [[Richard Cobden]], member of [[British Parliament]], whom Gould admired. By October 2, 1876 the railway had crept its way to Cobden. The community started to expand from the lake towards the railway station further inland. Main Street began to take shape, ''[[The Cobden Sun]]'', The Bank of Ottawa, black smith shops, a bakery, general store, mill, surgeon and jewelry store. In 1880 A public school was opened to accommodate the strain on nearby [[S.S.No 1]]. Cobden was soon the biggest community in Ross Township and became an Incorporated Village in October 1901.
Cobden's very existence is a circumstance of location. As Pembroke and Ottawa grew so, the gap between them seemed to grow as well. In the 1800s, the easiest route between them was the [[Ottawa River]]. However, the presence of rapids near [[Portage du Fort]] necessitated a land route. The area was mostly a vast forest untouched by Europeans. A few settlers had put down near muskrat lake, (John Parsons, John Sheriff, Spencer Allen, Robert Allen, and others), but for the most part, there had been little activity since Champlain's visit in the 17th century.
Then, in 1849, [[Jason Gould (1802-1864)|Jason Gould]] built a road from what came to be called Goulds Landing to what would become Cobden on [[Muskrat Lake]]. One could catch a steamer down the lake and then go on by road to Pembroke. The traffic on the road was a cause for growth. In 1850, Gould built a [[post office]] and named the fledgling settlement Cobden after [[Richard Cobden]], a member of [[British Parliament]] whom Gould admired.
By October 2, 1876, the railway had crept its way to Cobden. The community started to expand from the lake towards the railway station further inland. Main Street began to take shape, with ''[[The Cobden Sun]]'', a Bank of Ottawa, black smith shops, a bakery, general store, mill, surgeon, and jewelry store. In 1880, a public school was opened to accommodate the strain on nearby [[S.S.No 1]]. Cobden was soon the largest community in Ross Township and became an incorporated village in October 1901.


====1901-present====
====1901-present====
Cobden has been the victim of many fires, which have destroyed almost all of the original buildings. Main Street has suffered worst from fire, including one in 1913 that destroyed the ''Cobden Sun'' building and many historical records.
Cobden has been the victim of many fires. This has destroyed almost all of the original buildings. Main Street has suffered worst from fire including one in 1913 which destroyed the ''Cobden Sun'' building and many historical records. A hydro electric dam began operating at the falls south of Cobden. It supplied the town, off and on, with power until it was destroyed, April 12, 1934, in a raging flood. Large blocks of ice ripped the dam apart and poured over Highway 17, tearing away sections of pavement. The plant operator, Mr. Bill Wall, was stranded in the upper section of their house until flooding subsided. The town then started receiving power from a station in [[Calabogie, Ontario|Calabogie]]. Council elections in 1949 were dominated by the issue of whether or not to hold another plebiscite on establishing a waterworks system. A previous plebiscite had come out 82–56 against. But times were changing quickly; after the war a new council was elected and the next vote was 124–46 in favour and by the early 1950s Cobden had water. The waterworks system required constant maintenance up until a major retooling in the 1980s. The visibly dominating water tower was built in 1988 replacing the original (built in 1951).


A hydroelectric dam began operating at the falls south of Cobden. It supplied the town off and on with power until it was destroyed on April 12, 1934 in a raging flood. Large blocks of ice ripped the dam apart, poured over Highway 17, and tore away sections of pavement. The plant operator, Mr. Bill Wall, was stranded in the upper section of their house until flooding subsided. The town then started receiving power from a station in [[Calabogie, Ontario|Calabogie]].
A bigger school was needed by 1903. The present-day school, [[Cobden District Public School|Cobden District Public]], was built in 1938 and initially served as a high school until [[Opeongo High School]] was built.


Council elections in 1949 were dominated by the issue of whether or not to hold another plebiscite on establishing a waterworks system. A previous plebiscite had come out 82–56 against the idea, but times were changing quickly. After the war a new council was elected. The next vote was 124–46 in favour, and by the early 1950s, Cobden had water.
In 2001, the Village of Cobden was amalgamated with the Village of [[Beachburg, Ontario|Beachburg]], the Township of Ross and the Township of Westmeath to form the Township of Whitewater Region.


The waterworks system required constant maintenance until a major retooling in the 1980s. The visibly-dominating water tower was built in 1988 replacing the original, which had been built in 1951.
Today, Cobden's location on the busy Trans-Canada Highway, known as Highway 17, makes it a convenient stopping place for the many travelers passing through the area.


A larger school was needed by 1903. The present-day [[Cobden District Public School]] was built in 1938 and initially served as a high school until [[Opeongo High School]] was built.
==Demographics and culture==
In 1991 Cobden had a population of 1026. In 1996 Cobden had a population of 1,020. This is a decrease of 0.58%


In 2001, the Village of Cobden was amalgamated with the Village of Beachburg, the Township of Ross, and the Township of Westmeath to form the Township of Whitewater Region.
Occupying 1.85&nbsp;km of land, Cobden has a population density of 551.351 people per square km


Today, Cobden's location on the busy Trans-Canada Highway, known as Highway 17, makes it a convenient stopping place for the many who pass through the area.
Cobden is host to its own annual [[fair]] and is held in late August each year. Established in 1854, The Cobden Fair offers several days of activities that include exhibits, cattle, horse and sheep shows, midway rides and a demolition derby. During the holiday season, it has its own [[Santa Claus Parade]]. From May until October, located at the Cobden fairgrounds, and offering fresh local grown produce, homemade baking and a wide assortment of crafts is one of the best [[farmers' markets]] in the [[Ottawa Valley]].{{Citation needed|reason=This claim is subjective.|date=July 2012}}


==Demographics==
===The Farmers' Market===
In 1991, Cobden had a population of 1026. In 1996, Cobden had a population of 1,020. The population of the town had decreased by 0.58%.
Organized in 1991. The Farmers' Market is an outdoor market that runs from May to October. It offers a wide variety of crafts and foodstuffs and everything must be grown or handmade locally. The market has recently moved from the [[Memorial Hall (Cobden, Ontario)|Memorial Hall]] grounds to the Fair Grounds but the Christmas Market, the grande finale for the year, is still held in the Memorial Hall

Occupying 1.85&nbsp;km of land, Cobden has a population density of 551.351 per square kilometre.{{Citation needed|reason=The source of boundaries for population and area here is unclear|date=November 2023}}

==Culture==
Cobden is hosts its own annual [[fair]], which is held in late August each year. Established in 1854, the Cobden Fair offers several days of activities, which include exhibits, cattle, horse and sheep shows, midway rides and a demolition derby. During the holiday season, it has its own [[Santa Claus Parade]]. From May to October, located at the Cobden fairgrounds, it offers fresh local grown produce, homemade baking, and a wide assortment of crafts. It is one of the best [[farmers' markets]] in the [[Ottawa Valley]].{{Citation needed|reason=This claim is subjective.|date=July 2012}}

===Farmers' Market===
Organized in 1991, the Farmers' Market is an outdoor market that runs from May to October. It offers a wide variety of crafts and foodstuffs, and everything must be grown or handmade locally. The market has recently moved from the [[Memorial Hall (Cobden, Ontario)|Memorial Hall]] grounds to the faigrounds, but the Christmas Market, the grande finale for the year, is still held in the Memorial Hall.


===Cobden Park===
===Cobden Park===
Overlooking [[Muskrat Lake]] the park occupies what is thought to be the spot where Champlain met the [[Aboriginal peoples in Canada|Native]] Chief [[Nibachis]]. A plaque was erected in the 1960s commemorating this. The lands for the park were donated by Thomas Robinson and his wife in 1904. In 1988 extensive work was carried out on the beach portion of the park by the [[Civitans]].
Overlooking [[Muskrat Lake]], Cobden Park occupies what is thought to be where Champlain met the [[Aboriginal peoples in Canada|Native]] Chief [[Nibachis]], as a plaque tha twas erected in the 1960s commemorates. The lands for the park were donated by Thomas Robinson and his wife in 1904. In 1988, extensive work was carried out on the beach portion of the park by the [[Civitans]].


===Bruce McPhail Memorial Airport===
===Bruce McPhail Memorial Airport===
Home to [[The Champlain Flying Club]], the [[Cobden/Bruce McPhail Memorial Airport|Cobden airport]] is just south of the village on [[Highway 17 (Ontario)|Highway 17]].
Home to [[The Champlain Flying Club]], the [[Cobden/Bruce McPhail Memorial Airport|Cobden airport]] is on [[Highway 17 (Ontario)|Highway 17]] just south of the town.


===Logos Land===
===Logos Land===
Located about 5 miles east of Cobden, Logos Land is a religious based [[water park]]. Built on the site of the Astrolabe's discovery, Logos Land features five [[water slides]], paddle boats, mini-golf and a representation of [[Noah's Ark]]. The water park is open mid-June to Labour Day, but Noah's Ark is open year-round. It's also home to Canada's tallest Christmas tree, standing 22 meters high. Every year over 3000 local children decorate the tree, which is dedicated to children around the world.
Located about 5 miles east of Cobden, Logos Land is a religious based [[water park]]. Built on the site of the Astrolabe's discovery, it features five [[water slides]], paddle boats, mini-golf and a representation of [[Noah's Ark]]. The water park is open mid-June to Labour Day, but Noah's Ark is open year-round. It is also home to Canada's tallest Christmas tree, standing 22 m . Every year, over 3000 local children decorate the tree, which is dedicated to children around the world.


===Mussie===
===Mussie===
[[Mussie]] is a [[Nessie]]-like creature said to reside in [[Muskrat Lake]]. It most likely doesn't exist, and if it does, is more likely a [[sturgeon]].
[[Mussie]] is a [[Nessie]]-like creature said to reside in [[Muskrat Lake]]. It most likely does not exist, or it is more likely a [[sturgeon]]. A handmade wooden tribute to Mussie can be found in front of the local Home Hardware Store. Standing 3 m high and approximately 4 m long, it was built by a previous store owner, Doug Schauer.
A handmade wooden tribute to Mussie can be found in front of the local Home Hardware Store. It stands 3 meters high and approximately 12 feet long, built by previous store owner Doug Schauer.


===Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp===
===OVPC===
[[Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp]] is a [[Christianity|Christian]] based family and children's camp at the bottom of [[Muskrat Lake]]. It has hosted many local community events with its year round facilities. Members of surrounding churches in the Ottawa area rent out trailers and stay at camp during the summer. OVPC is owned and operated by the [[Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada]].
[[Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp]] is a [[Christianity|Christian]] based family and children's camp at the bottom of [[Muskrat Lake]]. It has hosted many local community events with its year-round facilities. Members of surrounding churches in the Ottawa area rent out trailers and stay at camp during the summer. The camp is owned and operated by the [[Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada]].


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[Susie Laska]], hockey player for the [[National Women's Hockey League (1999)|NWHL]]
*[[Susie Laska]], hockey player for the [[National Women's Hockey League (1999)|NWHL]]
*[[Robert Wellington Mayhew]], the first Canadian ambassador to Japan
*[[Robert Wellington Mayhew]], the first Canadian ambassador to Japan
*[[Delbert Lippert]], Honorary Colonel, 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron - http://www.427squadron.com/news_file/lippert_bio_official.html
*[[Delbert Lippert]], Honorary Colonel, 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron<ref>http://www.427squadron.com/news_file/lippert_bio_official.html {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
*[[Jack Quinn (ice hockey)|Jack Quinn]], National Hockey League Player, drafted 8th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Quinn_(ice_hockey)
*[[Jack Quinn (ice hockey)|Jack Quinn]], National Hockey League Player, drafted 8th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres
*[[Al Ritchie]], Canadian football Hall of Famer
*[[Al Ritchie]], Canadian football Hall of Famer
[[Image:Cobdenpic.jpg|thumb|500px|Cobden as seen from the south-east|center]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*https://web.archive.org/web/20040908081000/http://reis.agr.ca/rlrs/soil_surveys/renfrew/N_area_information.htm

==Sources==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040908081000/http://reis.agr.ca/rlrs/soil_surveys/renfrew/N_area_information.htm Regional Land Resource Study] reis.agr.ca
*''History of Township of Ross'', Prepared by: Herbert Ross
*''History of Township of Ross'', Prepared by: Herbert Ross
*''The Upper Ottawa Valley Glimpse of History'' by: Clyde C. Kennedy
*''The Upper Ottawa Valley Glimpse of History'' by: Clyde C. Kennedy
Line 74: Line 170:


==External links==
==External links==
*https://web.archive.org/web/20051125142424/http://www.whitewaterregion.ca/communities/cobden.htm
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051125142424/http://www.whitewaterregion.ca/communities/cobden.htm Communities. Cobden] whitewaterregion.ca
*http://ca.epodunk.com/profiles/ontario/cobden/2003696.html
*[http://ca.epodunk.com/profiles/ontario/cobden/2003696.html Cobden] epodunk.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051115190820/http://ca.epodunk.com/profiles/ontario/cobden/2003696.html |date=15 November 2005 }}
*http://www.civilization.ca/tresors/treasure/222eng.html
*[http://www.civilization.ca/tresors/treasure/222eng.html Treasure] civilization.ca {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405071452/http://www.civilization.ca/tresors/treasure/222eng.html |date=5 April 2008 }}
*https://web.archive.org/web/20061113131811/http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/specials/etiennebrule/story.html?id=2c255d9b-e994-4ac2-985d-614a1fce20b8
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113131811/http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/specials/etiennebrule/story.html?id=2c255d9b-e994-4ac2-985d-614a1fce20b8 Champlain's dedication inspired man's quest for lost astrolabe] Canada.com

{{coord|45|37|37|N|76|52|53|W|type:city_region:CA|display=title}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}

Latest revision as of 19:14, 2 October 2024

For other places with the same name, see Cobden.

Cobden
Main Street in Cobden
Main Street in Cobden
Cobden is located in Renfrew County
Cobden
Cobden
Cobden is located in Southern Ontario
Cobden
Cobden
Coordinates: 45°37′37″N 76°52′53″W / 45.62694°N 76.88139°W / 45.62694; -76.88139
Country Canada
Province Ontario
CountyRenfrew
Post office1850
Incorporated village1900
Area
[citation needed]
 • Total
1.85 km2 (0.71 sq mi)
Elevation
145 m (476 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1][2]
 • Total
1,071
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (EDT)
Postal Code FSA
K0J
Area codes613

Cobden is a small community in the Township of Whitewater Region, in Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada. It is located 95 kilometres (59 mi) northwest of Ottawa,[3] and roughly halfway between Renfrew and Pembroke on Highway 17.

History

[edit]

The area around Cobden was originally inhabited by the Nibachis, a sub-division of the native, Algonquian speaking, tribes of North America.

Champlain's astrolabe

[edit]

In 1613, the French explorer Samuel de Champlain travelled through an area very near Cobden while he was exploring the Ottawa River. The Chenaux Rapids forced Champlain and his men to portage. They presumably took shore in Browns Bay, near present-day McKenzie's Hill.

In 1953, a large rock was found in this area bearing a chiselled inscription. The inscription was hard to read but was determined to read, "Champlain Juin 2, 1613."

Champlain's trail from that point is debatable. He may have cut straight across land to the southern tip of Jeffreys Lake, or he may have veered south, and skirted the far side of what later came to be known as the Champlain Trail Lakes. It is known that he eventually made his way to Green Lake, and at that point, according to several 19th-century authors, Champlain lost his astrolabe. It stayed there for 254 years, until it was found in 1867 by Edward George Lee, a 14-year-old farm boy helping his father clear trees near Green Lake (now Astrolabe Lake).

Edward gave the astrolabe to Captain Cowley, a Steamboat Captain on Muskrat Lake; Lee never received the ten dollars that Cowley had promised him, and Cowley sold the astrolabe to his employer, the president of the Ottawa Forwarding Company, R.W. Cassels. The astrolabe eventually passed to Samuel V. Hoffman of the New York Historical Society in 1942, remained there for 47 years, and was acquired by the Department of Communications for the Canadian Museum of Civilization in 1989.

In 1990, a special celebration was held in Cobden in honour of the astrolabe's return.

Although it cannot be conclusively proven that the astrolabe found near the Lake indeed belonged to Champlain, the following facts should be taken into consideration:

  • The bottom portion of the astrolabe is engraved 1603, the same year that Champlain was commissioned "geographer royal" to Henry IV on his first voyage to Canada.
  • Champlain's reading at Gould's Landing erred by 1 degree. Subsequent readings recorded at Allumette Island also erred 1 degree.
  • Apart from that reading at Allumette Island, Champlain does not enter readings for the remainder of his expedition.
  • It was not unusual for Champlain to omit recording events and conditions in his journal. He was considered[by whom?] a laconic journalist who dealt only with the facts that he considered important.
  • By 1611, the astrolabe had been largely replaced by the vernier scale, which was considered to be far more accurate.

Founding and development

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Cobden's very existence is a circumstance of location. As Pembroke and Ottawa grew so, the gap between them seemed to grow as well. In the 1800s, the easiest route between them was the Ottawa River. However, the presence of rapids near Portage du Fort necessitated a land route. The area was mostly a vast forest untouched by Europeans. A few settlers had put down near muskrat lake, (John Parsons, John Sheriff, Spencer Allen, Robert Allen, and others), but for the most part, there had been little activity since Champlain's visit in the 17th century.

Then, in 1849, Jason Gould built a road from what came to be called Goulds Landing to what would become Cobden on Muskrat Lake. One could catch a steamer down the lake and then go on by road to Pembroke. The traffic on the road was a cause for growth. In 1850, Gould built a post office and named the fledgling settlement Cobden after Richard Cobden, a member of British Parliament whom Gould admired.

By October 2, 1876, the railway had crept its way to Cobden. The community started to expand from the lake towards the railway station further inland. Main Street began to take shape, with The Cobden Sun, a Bank of Ottawa, black smith shops, a bakery, general store, mill, surgeon, and jewelry store. In 1880, a public school was opened to accommodate the strain on nearby S.S.No 1. Cobden was soon the largest community in Ross Township and became an incorporated village in October 1901.

1901-present

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Cobden has been the victim of many fires, which have destroyed almost all of the original buildings. Main Street has suffered worst from fire, including one in 1913 that destroyed the Cobden Sun building and many historical records.

A hydroelectric dam began operating at the falls south of Cobden. It supplied the town off and on with power until it was destroyed on April 12, 1934 in a raging flood. Large blocks of ice ripped the dam apart, poured over Highway 17, and tore away sections of pavement. The plant operator, Mr. Bill Wall, was stranded in the upper section of their house until flooding subsided. The town then started receiving power from a station in Calabogie.

Council elections in 1949 were dominated by the issue of whether or not to hold another plebiscite on establishing a waterworks system. A previous plebiscite had come out 82–56 against the idea, but times were changing quickly. After the war a new council was elected. The next vote was 124–46 in favour, and by the early 1950s, Cobden had water.

The waterworks system required constant maintenance until a major retooling in the 1980s. The visibly-dominating water tower was built in 1988 replacing the original, which had been built in 1951.

A larger school was needed by 1903. The present-day Cobden District Public School was built in 1938 and initially served as a high school until Opeongo High School was built.

In 2001, the Village of Cobden was amalgamated with the Village of Beachburg, the Township of Ross, and the Township of Westmeath to form the Township of Whitewater Region.

Today, Cobden's location on the busy Trans-Canada Highway, known as Highway 17, makes it a convenient stopping place for the many who pass through the area.

Demographics

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In 1991, Cobden had a population of 1026. In 1996, Cobden had a population of 1,020. The population of the town had decreased by 0.58%.

Occupying 1.85 km of land, Cobden has a population density of 551.351 per square kilometre.[citation needed]

Culture

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Cobden is hosts its own annual fair, which is held in late August each year. Established in 1854, the Cobden Fair offers several days of activities, which include exhibits, cattle, horse and sheep shows, midway rides and a demolition derby. During the holiday season, it has its own Santa Claus Parade. From May to October, located at the Cobden fairgrounds, it offers fresh local grown produce, homemade baking, and a wide assortment of crafts. It is one of the best farmers' markets in the Ottawa Valley.[citation needed]

Farmers' Market

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Organized in 1991, the Farmers' Market is an outdoor market that runs from May to October. It offers a wide variety of crafts and foodstuffs, and everything must be grown or handmade locally. The market has recently moved from the Memorial Hall grounds to the faigrounds, but the Christmas Market, the grande finale for the year, is still held in the Memorial Hall.

Cobden Park

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Overlooking Muskrat Lake, Cobden Park occupies what is thought to be where Champlain met the Native Chief Nibachis, as a plaque tha twas erected in the 1960s commemorates. The lands for the park were donated by Thomas Robinson and his wife in 1904. In 1988, extensive work was carried out on the beach portion of the park by the Civitans.

Bruce McPhail Memorial Airport

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Home to The Champlain Flying Club, the Cobden airport is on Highway 17 just south of the town.

Logos Land

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Located about 5 miles east of Cobden, Logos Land is a religious based water park. Built on the site of the Astrolabe's discovery, it features five water slides, paddle boats, mini-golf and a representation of Noah's Ark. The water park is open mid-June to Labour Day, but Noah's Ark is open year-round. It is also home to Canada's tallest Christmas tree, standing 22 m . Every year, over 3000 local children decorate the tree, which is dedicated to children around the world.

Mussie

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Mussie is a Nessie-like creature said to reside in Muskrat Lake. It most likely does not exist, or it is more likely a sturgeon. A handmade wooden tribute to Mussie can be found in front of the local Home Hardware Store. Standing 3 m high and approximately 4 m long, it was built by a previous store owner, Doug Schauer.

Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp

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Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp is a Christian based family and children's camp at the bottom of Muskrat Lake. It has hosted many local community events with its year-round facilities. Members of surrounding churches in the Ottawa area rent out trailers and stay at camp during the summer. The camp is owned and operated by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Notable people

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Cobden as seen from the south-east

References

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  1. ^ "Census of Population". Statistics Canada. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  2. ^ Population calculated by combining Dissemination Blocks 35470243003 - 35470243007 and 35470244001 - 35470244019
  3. ^ "Distance between Ottawa, ON and Cobden, ON". www.distance-cities.com. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  4. ^ http://www.427squadron.com/news_file/lippert_bio_official.html [bare URL]

Sources

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  • Regional Land Resource Study reis.agr.ca
  • History of Township of Ross, Prepared by: Herbert Ross
  • The Upper Ottawa Valley Glimpse of History by: Clyde C. Kennedy
  • Cobden Then and Now by: George A. Wallace
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