Wayback Wednesday - The history of Orr Road

Modern Mississauga and Heritage Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Way Back Wednesday’s."

We’ll share information about the history of Mississauga here and answer your questions.

Today’s topic is the history of Orr Road.

Orr Road in Clarkson is named for a prominent farming family. Notably, Edward Alfred Orr (1864-1935). Edward became president of the Toronto Milk and Cream Association for dairy farmers in 1925 – the later merged into the Ontario Milk Marketing Board in 1966 (now Dairy Farmers of Ontario). In addition to the Orr family dairy farm, Edward became involved in local politics, first as a trustee for School Section Number 6 Clarkson in 1912. In 1914 he was elected as a councillor for Toronto Township (Mississauga). He served as Deputy Reeve from 1916 to 1919, and as Reeve from 1920 to 1922. From 1922 to 1924 he served as Warden for Peel County. Edward was known to champion the music and the arts, and he barn was used as a venue for theatre and minstrel shows.

Edward was married and widowed three times: Angelina Petch (died 1896), Margaret Coyne (died 1900), and Mary Isabella Cavan (died 1907). Together, Edward had 14 children: Mable, Marguerite, Joseph, Frederick, Howard, George, Hugh, John, Stewart, Donald, Andrew, Edward Jr., Murray and Helen. Edward died on August 1, 1935 at his home in Clarkson and is buried at Springcreek Cemetery.