AYR

 Is an important post village, situate in the Township of North Dumfries, County of Waterloo, about one mile from the Brant county line. It is distant from Paris 7 miles, from Galt 10 miles and from Berlin [Kitchener] 14 miles. The Cedar and Smith's Creeks run through the village and afford  much hydraulic power. The post office was establish in 1838, the present official is Robert Wyllie, Esq..

There are three churches viz- Knox's  Church, (Canada Presbyterian) a handsome frame building erected in 1884 at a cost of $ 1500, Rev D McRuar, pastor; the Wesleyan Methodist church cost $ 1,200; Rev. Mr. Gamian; the Stanley St. church Presbyterian costs over $2,000; the Presbyterians (Morrisonians) have a congregation Here, Rev. James Howie, minister. The common school buildings are of brick, erected  in 1854 costs $3,000, and have the capacity to accommodate over 300 pupils.

The Ayr Herald is a well conducted family newspaper, having a large circulation in the Counties of Waterloo, Oxford, and Brant. It was established in 1867, by Mr. James G Watson in the Reform interests, and is rapidly increasing in circulation. There is a good book and job office in connection.

There is a Masonic Lodge in Ayr- Lodge No. 172, G. R. C.; a Mechanics'  Institute with a library of over 1,200 volumes, Alexander Petrie, president; one fire company John Wyllie, Captain; a volunteer infantry company 29th Battery Waterloo, is in a most effective state being just enrolled under the new Act, Thomas M Anderson captain:, James G Watson lieutenant, J Mckay Anderson ensign; a Temperance society, Thomas Easton president; a Young Men's Christian Association [YMCA]  meets weekly for mutual edification and dispatch of business, Dr. W R Pentland, president; a Literary Society which coordinates, readings, recitations, etc. Dr. G W Bingham, president.

This village contains several important and extensive manufactures foremost among which the agricultural works of John Watson  Esq., may be mentioned. This large establishment was started in 1848. Mr. Watson's shops cover an area of two acres and are built of stone, brick and wood. Steam and water power are both used in propelling the machinery, and from 65 to 70 hands are constantly employed. Reaping, mowing, threshing machines, drills, straw and root cutters, ploughs, and in fact every description of agricultural implements that the most extensive farmer requires as a labor saving machine are here manufactured. Above 600 reapers and 50 separators are annually made at these works.

This is one of the most successful establishment in Canada, and 666 success is only the just reward do to the business energy and integrity of character displayed by its well known proprietor.

James Piper Esq., is very extensively engaged in the manufacture of flour. The Nithville mills and Jedburgh mills are carried on by him. In the Nithville mills about 15 thousand barrels of flour are put up annually. There is an oatmeal mill as well with two run of stone, manufacturing merchant meal only. He has also a saw mills, doing custom work only. In and about the several mills about twenty hands are employed. In addition to the mills already mentioned, Mr Piper has erected the the Jedburgh woolen and cotton factory. The building is brick, three stories high, and 50 by 60 feet. A great many operatives will be here employed when fully operational. This latter enterprise must add largely to the progress of the village.

Mr. David Goldie, proprietor of the Greenfield flouring mills is doing a very heavy business, and has in connection with the mills a stave factory and cooperage. A large number of hands find employment in all the establishments.

Mr. Peter Cunningham is carrying on the brewing of beer and ale. The brewery is 30 by 50 feet, and two stories high.

In the manufacture of shoe pegs Mr. James Gladstone has been engaged for a number of years. Five or six hands are employed, and water power used to propel the machinery. From ten to twelve bushels of shoe pegs are turned out daily.

Pump Manufacturing - in this branch of industry Mr. Robert Knox employs a few hands.

Carriage manufacturing- Mr. John Bell, employs five or six hands in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, sleighs, cutters, etc.

Mr. Thomas McKnight - is also engaged in the same line, handling two hands.

Mr. James Kay carries on the business of cabinet making in all its branches, employing three hands.

Mr. Walter Kyle general blacksmith, employs two hands and turns out work of excellent finish.

There are other work shops representing the various trades, where in the aggregate many find employment.

The Fifth Division Court of the County of Waterloo is held here, John Wyllie Esq. clerk.

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