Fall is the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book and what better book than one written by a local author exploring local lore? Did you know that there are authors in Rideau Lakes sharing intriguing stories and fascinating research about heritage within the township? It’s true! In fact, local authors are sharing their talents with readers across Canada and the world – while working to recount the intriguing history and authentic stories of times gone by in Rideau Lakes.

What’s even better, is that these books are available for purchase at the Township of Rideau Lakes office, located at 1439 County Road 8, Delta, ON. Please place an order by email in advance to ensure the best experience by sending a message with your wish list to . Your book order will then be ready for you to pick up during regular office hours, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Payment with cash is preferred but debit is also accepted. Discover some of these great reads by local authors:

• Glimpses from Granny's Scrap Book by Mabel Davison - $10
• Memoirs of the Bolton Family, Pioneers in north Leeds, Ontario and prairie Canada 1690-1932, edited by Doug Bond - $10
• South Elmsley in the Making 1783-1983 by James R Kennedy – Free
• Hub of the Rideau: A History of South Crosby Township by Susan Warren - Sold Out / Out of Print 
• The Collected Poetry of Mrs. Jennie Moulton, published by the Heritage Society of Bastard and South Burgess Ontario (1999) - $10
• History of the Township of North Crosby & Westport by Neil Patterson - $10

More books are also available from the Delta Mill Society. Furthermore, the PDF versions can be downloaded from the Delta Mill website. 

• Building the 1810 Old Stone Mill in Delta, Ontario by Ken W. Watson
• A History of Grist Milling in Delta by Wade Ranford

For a popular collection of real stories that recount the experiences of a young boy and his family at a seasonal fishing lodge on Newboro Lake, look to Running the Sheets by James Tallon. Interspersed with local history and set in the late 1960s and 1970s, this is a gem that shines a light on one boy’s summer experiences in the Rideau Lakes region 50 years ago. Find this one online or at the Newboro branch of the Rideau Lakes Public Library.

When the Fish are Rising is another gem, by Clint Fleming, who was famous as a fishing guide in Chaffey’s Lock for more than 50 years. This one is a rare find – have fun scouring book stores and online, or head down to the Elgin or Portland branch of the Rideau Lakes Public Library and borrow a copy.

Still intrigued? There are many more books to pique your interest about local history, such as:

• Cramworth Chronicles by Barbara Gibson;
• History of Leeds and Grenville by Thad WH Leavitt; 
• Memories of a Country Doctor and his Family by Don Kerr;
• Fish Tales – The Lure and Lore of the Rideau by Ed Bebee;
• Rideau Waterway by Robert Leggett, and
• They Ate What? by Joyce Gunnewiek.

These books are already sold out, but copies can sometimes be found on eBay:

• Perspectives of a Wedge of Cheddar by Doug Bond;
• My Own Four Walls by Diane Haskins, and
• Leeds & Grenville: Their First Two Hundred Years by Ruth McKenzie.

Be sure to check the local history sections at the Rideau Lakes Public Library for some of these books, as well! Free to borrow with a library card.

The Rideau Lakes Local History Centre is also a treasure trove of photos, stories, family history and local heritage. Located at 18 King Street in Delta, beside the Delta branch of the Rideau Lakes Public Library. Online requests can be made at or simply browse the digital collection.

Do you know of a local book that should be on this list? Keep us in the loop! Email Marie White, Economic Development and Cultural Heritage Coordinator at to let us know.