Seeking sponsors for the Tillson Trek

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

In March of 1825, George Tillson walked from Normandale to the site on the banks overlooking the Otter Creek to found the town that would bear his name. Two hundred years later, three individuals are repeating a part of that walk to provide insight into what the town’s founder endured, and what he saw on his journey

The idea started as a story for the upcoming bicentennial issue of the Post to compare the route today, and image what it would have been like two centuries later. Kate Bakos, cultural heritage manager/curator, expressed interest in participating to imagine what Tillson endured. Carrie Lewis, Chair of the town's Museum, Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee, will also be taking part.

“It’s a celebration of the founding of Tillsonburg,” Bakos said. “We are looking at retracing George Tillson’s steps from the Normandale Furnace to Delhi.”

The approximate seven-hour journey will follow a similar route to what Tillson used, and was called the Tillson Trek by Bakos.

Although the roads today don’t compare to what were likely rut-filled muddy trails two centuries ago, the journey won’t be without challenges, including several hills in the south end.

“We know the roads now are better than the roads back then, and we’re doing this without the impediment of an oxen cart,” Bakos said. “It will be a good way to experience the old-fashioned travel of walking.”

Tillson had previously travelled to the area to scout it before he undertook his settlement journey with oxen pulling a wagon.

“This is when he made the trek to settle the area after he purchased the land,” she said.

Bakos is hoping to gain insight into what Tillson discovered, although she was upfront the modern walk will have the luxury of walking on paved roads, and not being encumbered by a wagon, which likely slowed the town’s founder.

Bakos added another twist to the journey, and is seeking sponsors for the walk. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Founder’s Festival, planned for Oct. 18 at Memorial Park. Donations can be made over the phone or in-person at the museum. Any donors of more than $25 will receive a tax receipt.

The hope is this could become an annual fundraiser for the museum, as Bakos already has a couple of colleagues who expressed interest in partaking in the future. For this year, to test the Tillson Trek concept, it will be limited to three people.

“It would be cool if it grew and grew and became an annual celebration of Tillsonburg,” she said.

The deadline for sponsorship is Sept. 2 to allow sponsors to be listed in the program for Founder’s Fest.