The Hastings County Historical Society, in partnership with the Trent Port Historical Society and the City of Quinte West, will unveil the first in a series of three historical plaques in a ceremony on June 25 at 11 a.m. This unveiling is in honour of the Central Bridge Company.
The ceremony will take place in Kiwanis Park on Ontario Street, which is now the home of the Trenton Rowing & Paddling Club. However, in 1942, during the Second World War, the Central Bridge Company manufactured steel ocean tugboats near here for the Royal Navy. The manufacturing technique, pioneered in Trenton, came to be used worldwide. This site is where they launched these 65-foot boats to begin their journey to Europe.
“Quinte West is fortunate to have such a robust and rich history,” says Mayor Jim Harrison. “The stories are fascinating, and we are proud to tell them.”
“The Hastings County Historical Society has been installing plaques throughout Hastings County for several years,” says Richard Hughes, president of the Hastings County Historical Society. “It’s been a pleasure working with the City and the Trent Port Historical Society to discover and honour these important historic sites within Quinte West.”
The public is invited to attend the ceremony to learn more about the story of the Central Bridge Company. More information about the City’s other historical plaque ceremonies will be available at a later date.