Huron County Branch has proudly be part of publishing the first 2 books by David Yates. David Yates
Books by David Yates on Huron County history:
“Never Shall Their Glory Fade”: The Cenotaphs of Huron County: Co-authored with photographer Conrad Kuiper and released in late 2024, this book documents the history and stories behind the county’s war monuments.
Out of the Woods: Chronicles and Characters of Huron County: Yates’ first book covers Huron County’s history from the time of its Indigenous people through early settlement and up to the end of the Great War.
Out of the Blue: Further Discoveries in Huron County History: A second volume of vignettes drawn from Yates’ newspaper columns, this book features stories from 1884 to the 1939 Royal Tour.
That Freedom Might Survive: This work focuses on the stories of Huron County during the Second World War, including those who served and those on the home front.
The Times of Our Lives: The fourth book in this collection presents a mix of stories from the mid-20th century, from Walt Disney’s 1947 visit to the 2011 Goderich tornado.
Gothic Huron: Heroes, Rogues, Murders, Daring, Bawdy Houses and Other Tales: Released in 2024, this book covers the Victorian era in Huron County, from the War of 1812 until 1901.
Challenge and Change in Huron: The People and Events that Made Us, 1890–1919: This book, released in April 2025, explores how social and technological changes in the early 20th century impacted the county.
Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield
by David Yates The Bayfield HIstorical Society & Archives http://www.bayfieldhistorical.ca/ (check link for ordering) have recently published a book on a Canadian historical figure who was instrumental in ensuring the safe navigation for emigration to Canada (Ontario and Quebec) in the 1800s.
The Book is 50 pages and in full color with photos, excerpts from journals of this period $15 and is done on quality paper stock. Henry Bayfield born 1795 in Norfolk, fought in the Napoleonic wars at the age of 11, and at 18 he was transferred to Canada to fend off the Americans. He stayed on in Canada and for 40 years surveyed the coastlines. He married and settled in Prince Edward Island and is buried there.
Henry spoke 5 Indigenous languages. Some of his surveys and maps were used up until GPS.
The Canada Company and the Huron Tract, 1826-1853 – Personalities, Profits and Politics
by Robert Lee – “Robert Lee has vividly recreated the personalities and the political intrigues that were part of the Canada Company’s operation – the largest one of its type in Ontario’s history. The most comprehensive work to date on this fascinating era, this book is eminently readable and a must-have for history lovers. – Ron Brown, author of Ghost Towns of Ontario
Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes
by Bonnie Sitter – Bonnie tells the little-known story of young women who left their homes to work on farms during the Second World War to address the labour shortage from the war.
Agriculture Today: A Portrait of Family Farms in Ontario
By local authors Bonnie Sitter, Telfer Wegg and Fred Helwig – an informal coffee table style book that highlights families from around rural Ontario and the farms they run. Not only does the book feature information about the featured families, it also includes detailed facts about farming and hundreds of pictures of farming culture. There are three parts to the book: livestock, crops, barns and silos, selected farms and snapshots of farm life.
The Beauty and Bounty of Huron County
Journey to the Heartland of rural Ontario to explore the diverse attractions of Huron County. Explore both celebrated and lesser known points as photographers David Bishop, Bonnie Sitter and Telfer Wegg share 169 of their favourite photographs from all areas of the County
