It’s time to learn about the history of more Milton street names!
A few listeners had some new suggestions this week, so this is a suggestion-only edition of the feature. Last week, we learned about Elliott Crescent and Philbrook Drive. This week, we’re diving into the stories behind Maquire Terrace, Raftis Crescent, and Whaley Way.
We’re able to do these articles thanks to the tremendous work done by Milton Historical Society President John Challinor. If you weren’t aware, Challinor and the late great historian, Jim Dills, wrote the book on Milton street names, having written Milton Streets back in 2007.
Challinor says Maquire Terrace is named after a former local soldier.
If you look at the street sign for Maquire Terrace, you’ll notice that it has a poppy. That’s the symbol for the namesake being a veteran. There are many streets in Milton that have this privilege.
Looking at Raftis Crescent, Challinor says the namesake is best known for his work with the local Legion.
He adds that Raftis would have been dealing with a struggling economy when he was the Chairman. Raftis would’ve been working especially hard to keep the Legion properly funded.
Our last street this week is Whaley Way. The listener wanted to hear about the history of the Whaley family and their connection with nearby Whaley’s Corners. Challinor dives deep into the family.
Whaley’s Corners remains as the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Winston Churchill Boulevard. The family farm was in the area.
Challinor says that not only has the family been recognized by the Town of Milton for their longevity and history, but also the Peel Region. On Howard Stewart Road, off Mississauga Road and north of Steeles Avenue, there is a public school named after the Whaley family.
If you’re looking to understand how Milton’s streets are named, you should check out the book written by Challinor and Dills. Published by the Milton Historical Society back in 2007, it sold out in about six weeks and has since been long out of print. That said, according to Challinor, you can still find a copy at the Milton Public Library. With nearly 15-years having passed since the initial publication, and the extensive town growth in that time, an updated book is likely to come.
You can also take a walk with the late Jim Dills down Milton’s Main Street in 2002.
If you have a suggestion on what you’d like to learn about next week, let us know! We’re currently working on names that we find interesting. You can message our Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram page, or even email us at News1013@mbcmedia.ca. Otherwise, we’ll just continue asking about local street names that we find interesting.
