The picturesque rural village of Allenford is a familiar sight for those journeying along the highway between Owen Sound and Southampton. Perched on the banks of the Sauble River, it was once known as Driftwood Crossing after the many floods that left debris across the post road to the Huron Coast.

James Allen built the first house in the village in 1857. Allen, who was six when he came from Ireland with his parents to settle in Peterborough County, was the community’s founder. He lent his name to the word “ford” since Allenford was the place where the Sauble River was most easily crossed. Today, Allenford is a gentle place to live or visit with a mill, shops, church, and riverside homes.

Allenford is celebrating their Homecoming in 2010 from July 1st to the 4th. There will be parades and bonspiels, banquets and breakfasts. Allenford is also proud that 2010 also marks the 100th birthdays of Aiken Brothers old-fashioned hardware store and the Allenford Curling Club, one of the oldest in Bruce County. Meet and greet the people of Allenford, many of who are descendants of the original settlers.

Believe it or Not

In 1855, a serious land dispute arose when the Chippewas of Nawash removed survey stakes along Copway’s Road (now Highway 21), then journeyed to Quebec to petition for an interview with Lord Bury. Snubbed by the Lord, they returned home in an angry mood. Lord Bury hastened to Owen Sound where he asked for a meeting. He was refused at first, but both parties finally agreed to meet halfway on the road to Saugeen. When their meeting, later to become known as the Allenford Pow-Wow, was held at Driftwood Crossing, the Chippewas won increased land on Lake Huron.

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