"Ducit Amor Patriæ” Niagara Historical Society Publications Fifty Years of Peach Culture in Ontario No. 36 Advance Print, Niagara 1924 Fifty Years of Peach Culture in Ontario (BY A. M. SMITH) "Some years ago the following paper which had been read by A. M. Smith to the Fruit Growers Association was given to me by Mr. F. D. L. Smith, then editor of the Times but as there was no date on it I could not tell from it when the association had been formed but this I now have from Mr. C. W. Nash who states "The Fruit Growers Association had its origin in Judge Campbell's House in Niagara. The first meeting was held in Judge Campbell's home in 1858 there were present Judge Campbell, Dr. Beadle, of St. Catharines, Rev. Dr.Burnett,of Hamilton and Judge Logie, of Hamilton. On the 19th of January, 1859, in the Mechanic's Institute Hall in Hamilton, the Association was formally organized with Judge Campbell as President. Fruit growing as a business was but little thought of in those days and these pioneers in the enterprise struggled against many difficulties and discouragements while laying the foundation of the Association. They held meetings at various places and made exhibits of fruit to show what could be done in this Province and in this way a great deal of information was given and the success of fruit culture which has followed may be said to be greatly due to the efforts of those few men more than to any other agency. In 1859 the Society was incorporated under the Agricultural and Arts Act and has since grown and flourished." It may also be said that Judge Campbell was the leader in forming a Horticultural Society in Niagara in 1856. From the statement above this paper must have been read in 1909.-Ed." May I be allowed before commencing the subject assigncd me to say a few words upon fruit culture in general and the good it has accomplished for our country during the last 50 years. I do not think there is anyone here but will admit that the fruit industry has done more in building up the prosperity of our country than any industry we have. It has done more to attract immigration from other countries 3 |