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Logo of the Clarksburg sesquicentennial celebration
30 June 2010

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Clarksburg Sesquicentennial
Some Background Information
In 1860, a meeting was held in a newly established settlement south of Thornbury, the purpose of which was to decide on a name for the settlement. As the two founding fathers (and mill owners) of this new settlement were William J. Marsh and William Clark, the two names to be voted on were Clarkstown and Marshville. Legend has it there was a tie vote and William Marsh conceded the name to his friend Clark. Clarkstown was changed to Clarksburg soon afterwards and by 1861 there were over 100 residents living and working in Clarksburg.
From July 1st to July 3rd, 1960 the residents of Clarksburg celebrated their Centennial year. There were parades, ball games, music, pet shows, a beard growing competition and much more.
The Craigleith Heritage Depot has become owners of many photographs, film footage, ephemera and other artifacts relating to the Centennial year celebrations.
The Depot has received grant money from the Canadian Heritage Information Network to digitize its Clarksburg collections and make available to the public on the Canadian Heritage Information Network website. Project to be completed January 22, 2011.
On June 30th 2010 the community of Clarksburg will be celebrating its 150th (Sesquicentennial) year. Many of the events that took place in 1960 will be duplicated and further celebrations will be added. There will be a 'history room' in the Marsh St. centre from 4-7 on June 30th to be created by residents and Depot staff, as well, some booklets on the history of the Clarksburg will be made available for sale. An historical walking tour brochure of Clarksburg will be published, as well, an historical walking tour of the Union cemetery is being created. The business owners and residents of Clarksburg have been working hard at planning the celebrations and collecting their local history - the end result will no doubt make Clarksburg's founding fathers quite pleased.