FROM THE ARCHIVES

1988 16th Edition of the Bruce Trail Guide Book

I love maps, and equally love old Bruce Trail Guide Books. Recently I received a copy of a 1988 16th edition guide, with a gift inscription which makes it more interesting. I thought I would share with you some of the paths our section took in 1988. For a larger version of the picture, click here.

As it does presently, Dufferin Hi-Lands started in Mono Centre. Entering the park, you’ll see evidence of a parking lot that was in use in 1988. From there, the main trail follows what is now known as The Spillway. Climbing the escarpment, past another old parking area still evident today, the trail leads to the lookout. and continues cutting straight across to 1st Line EHS.

The trail follows our present route to Hwy 89. And then follows Hurontario St. access which becomes Centre Rd, to Kilgore Hill. Of note- 100m north of Hwy 89, the Primrose Side Trail heads west crossing Cty Rd 19 at the parking area, then up the hill, rejoining the main trail just east of the Pinnacle. This is a notable change from today.

There are no further significant changes until the trail returns onto 1st Line WHS. just south of Cty. Rd 21. Here it turns north, then east on Cty. Rd 21 just east of Honeywood, and then north on 1st Line EHS. The Dufferin Hi-Land Section ends on the 1st Line EHS access, just south of the Mulmur-Nottawasaga Town Line, not Lavender as it does today. The total distance of our section in 1988 was 39.5 km.

The Blue Mtn. Section continues from there. I am not encouraging it, but on occasion I will walk a 100m on old trail, and see fading blazes on the trees.

I am trying to complete a collection of all the guide books for the DHL archives. If you have or know of someone who would be willing to part with single digit early copies, I would be grateful to receive. 

Thank you, Bryan Foley  (Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club Archivist)