Shelburne Realtors

Shelburne’s History

Early settlement in Shelburne began in 1830. Back then Broadway Avenue was the dividing line between Wellington and Simcoe County’s, now it is the downtown core and where you will find the farmers market in the summer and festivals throughout the year.

In 1863 Shelburne was named after local entrepreneur Orange Lawrence who moved to the area and purchased Gritts Mill which is now The Mill Street Pub a great place to meet up with friends grab a pint and have a meal. Orange also open a General Store upon arrival, purchased a second mill and opened the first school. In 1847 he became the first postmaster.

In 1864 Shelburne officially incorporated as a village. Orange played such an important role in building this community that he left a lasting impression on the villagers. It was agreed by all that the village should be named after him. Hence, the name Shelburne came to be. A seven-foot sculpture of Orange Lawrence can be found in the center of Broadway. Sculpted by Donna Pascoe and Peter Turrell this 2,700-pound sculpture was erected in 2007. In 1874 Shelburne was given town status.

Community and Culture

Real estate agents in Shelburnewill tell you, you can still see much of the historic charm throughout Shelburne today especially if you take a stroll down Broadway to check out the historic buildings that line the street. The restored Opera House is worth a visit. It features productions by award-winning directors and producers. Theatre Shelburne is top-notch! There is also no lack of great restaurants and unique shops lining this street. You will also notice one-of-a-kind tree sculptures throughout Shelburne this Art Walk of Tree Sculptures was created by local artists giving new life to dying trees.

Shelburne truly has something to offer everyone from the Shelburne Blues and Jazz Festival in June to the Harvest Festival in October, Moon Light Magic Tractor Parade of Lights in November, Santa Claus Parade, The Rib Fest, The Farmers Market that runs through the summer into the fall selling local fresh vegetables and other delicious treats. There are numerous parks and splash pads to entertain the kids and lots of trails for biking and hiking. Scenic Island Lake Conservation Area has 10 kilometers of hiking trails that are ideal for walking, running or cycling. The lake also offers great canoeing and fishing. You often will see the locals ice fishing in the winter. Monora Park is only a few minutes from the core and has 18km of walking trails that are groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing. Perfect for winter enthusiasts. The Bruce Trail runs through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. These are just a few of what Shelburne has to offer. It is a great town and an even greater place to live. Jennifer Jewell