New book highlights little-known facts about Tillsonburg

Oxford MP Khanna addressed his supporters with his wife at his Sim at his side after Monday night’s convincing win. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Did you know Tillsonburg had a brewery many years ago? Or what is unique about the bricks manufactured in the Tillsonburg Brick Yard?

The answers to these trivia tidbits, and 198 more, are part of Jason Pankratz's recently released book Tillsonburg at 200: 200 Questions and Answers About Our Town. The author will be the guest speaker at a Tillsonburg 200th anniversary event on May 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Annandale House, when the book will be officially launched.

Pankratz grew up in Tillsonburg and still lives in the area. He taught at Annandale and Glendale before starting in his current role in career development for Conestoga College. While earning his doctorate, he worked at Annandale House for three years during the summer, adding to a fascination with Tillsonburg history.

“I wrote a book a few years ago on a Second World War aircrew and knew my next book had to be about Tillsonburg,” he said. “With the 200th anniversary coming up, I thought it was a good opportunity to match that to the anniversary.”

That initial book, “Six Graves in the Village”, was the story of a crew of Canadian airmen that were shot down over Holland in 1943. It was written at the urging of Frank Moore of the Tillsonburg Military History Club.

Pankratz laid the book out in a unique format. The book has 200 questions and answers about the town. It’s laid out in 10 chapters with 20 questions from each. These include chapters on George Tillson, E.D. Tillson, recreation spaces, Tillsonburg artifacts, and two chapters that Pankratz called “scavenger hunts”. He said these will highlight historical architecture and items that people go by every day.

“There’s a little bit for everyone in it,” he said. “That’s what I like about this format – it’s not a chronological book. There are people who like facts, and that’s what people will love about this book.”

Another unique feature of the book will be photo questions that could be categorized as “Where am I?”

Pankratz relied on history books from Ellen Eff, John Amstrong, John Cooper and Matthew Scholtz, as well as information from Laurel Beechey, for his book.

“Tillsonburg has a niche market and people are interested in its history,” he said. “Everyone has a memory of where they grew up in Tillsonburg. It’s going to bring back a lot of memories and get people telling their own stories.”

The book is for sale now at Annandale House and available online through volumesdirect.com

Pankratz is also available to speak about his book at local functions. He can be reached at drjpankratz@outlook.com for more information.

As to the initial questions, Tillsonburg historians may know the answers – or maybe not. But a few other sample questions were where did George Tillson live before he founded Tillsonburg, what was the original name of the town, and what were the original town boundaries? To find the answers, you will have to purchase the book.