🎉 Hagersville 150 — 2025 Year in Review 🎉

HAGERSVILLE: THEN & NOW

Welcome to the Hagersville 150 Legacy Mural.

Created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Hagersville, this mural celebrates the people, industries, and traditions that have shaped our community from its earliest days to the present.

At first glance, the mural is a vibrant collection of familiar scenes, but each element tells part of Hagersville’s story.

Indigenous Heritage

Long before the establishment of Hagersville, this area was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to the land spans countless generations. Today, we are neighbours to both the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River, whose histories, cultures, and stewardship of the land remain an important part of our shared story.

As we celebrate 150 years of Hagersville, we also acknowledge that the history of this land extends far beyond the incorporation of our community. This mural was developed with consultation from representatives of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to help ensure that the story being told reflects respect, inclusivity, and recognition of those who have called this area home since time immemorial.

Agriculture

For generations, agriculture has been the backbone of our community. Rich farmland has supported families, fueled local businesses, and helped establish Hagersville as a thriving rural centre. The fields, crops, and farming imagery pay tribute to the hardworking individuals whose dedication continues to feed our communities and preserve our agricultural heritage.

Transportation

The arrival of the railway transformed Hagersville. As a railway town, the movement of people, goods, and ideas helped shape our growth and connected our community to the rest of Ontario. The transportation elements within the mural recognize the importance of these historic rail lines and the role they played in Hagersville’s development.

Aggregate

The limestone quarries surrounding Hagersville have been an important part of our local economy for decades. Providing materials used to build roads, homes, and infrastructure across the province, the aggregate industry continues to contribute to the strength and prosperity of our community. This mural acknowledges the workers and businesses whose efforts have helped build both Hagersville and communities beyond.

Then & Now

Rather than focusing on a single moment in time, this mural reflects the ongoing story of Hagersville—honouring our past while celebrating the vibrant community we are today. It is a reminder that our history is built not only through significant events, but through the everyday contributions of generations of residents, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, who have lived, worked, volunteered, and cared for this place.

Featured Details

As you explore the mural, you’ll notice several details that highlight unique chapters of Hagersville’s history.

The Model T & Henry Ford

The Model T pays tribute to Hagersville’s unique connection to Henry Ford. During an unscheduled stop in Hagersville while travelling by train, Henry Ford visited a local bicycle shop owned by J.H. Head and struck up a conversation that lead to J. H. Head becoming a Ford dealer in October of 1910. A business that continues to serve the community today, albeit from a different location, locally known as Heaslip Ford. This connection is a proud part of our local history and reflects Hagersville’s place in the early story of one of the world’s most recognizable automotive brands.

The Railway

The locomotive depicted in the mural is a steam “Mogul” Canadian National No. 80, a type of engine commonly seen operating through Hagersville during the steam era. More than a means of transporting freight, the railway served as a lifeline for the community, supporting local industries such as the quarries, the Canada Gypsum Company (CGC) gypsum mine, Beaver Lumber, and the stock yards, while also providing daily passenger travel and connecting residents to larger urban centres for work, commerce, and opportunity. As a railway town, Hagersville flourished through these vital connections, with the movement of people, goods, and ideas helping to shape the community we know today.

The Quarry View

The aggregate section of the mural is inspired by the view overlooking the local quarry from the Hagersville Active Living Centre. It reflects both the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the lasting contribution the aggregate industry has made to Hagersville’s economy and development.

A Lasting Legacy

This mural was commissioned by the Hagersville 150 Committee as a lasting legacy project marking the community’s sesquicentennial celebration. It was designed and painted by Hamilton artist Tim Nijenhuis of Ninehouse Productions, whose work captures both the historical significance and enduring spirit of Hagersville.

We hope this mural inspires residents and visitors alike to reflect on our shared history, appreciate the industries that helped shape our town, recognize the deep Indigenous roots of this land, and look forward with pride to Hagersville’s future.

Thank you for taking a moment to experience this celebration of our community.