Local History Speaker Series: Young Men Farmers

Learn how a 1920s Salvation Army program brought hundreds of young farmers from the UK to Oxford County

Oxford County Library and Oxford County Archives proudly present the first event in the 2025 Local History Speaker Series:

So They Came: Young Men Farmers
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Oxford County Library - Tillsonburg branch

Join local historian and author Dr. Elaine Becker to learn about the compelling history of Burnside Lodge in Woodstock and the young men from overseas who helped shape Oxford County’s agricultural history.

In the 1920s, hundreds of teenage boys from the United Kingdom responded to advertisements for a Salvation Army-sponsored program that offered training in essential farming skills, including milking, plowing, and horse handling, and passage to Canada. Many of these boys sought to escape hardship, poverty, or illness, hoping for a fresh start and a better future.

After completing their training, these juvenile farmers, aged 14 to 19, travelled overseas and arrived at Burnside Lodge in Woodstock. There, they were placed with local farmers in communities such as Salford, Embro, and Curries. Their contributions became an essential part of the region's agricultural workforce.

Dr. Becker, a lifelong resident of Woodstock, attended Victoria School, Central School, and Woodstock Collegiate Institute before training as a Salvation Army officer and being commissioned in 1971. After retiring, she returned to Woodstock and remains actively involved with the Woodstock Museum and the Oxford Historical Society. She has authored three books on local history, including So They Came: Young Men Farmers (2021).

Registration for this event is required.

Register for the in-person event at the Tillsonburg branch of Oxford County Library here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2048&EventID=551849&PK=

Those who would prefer to join virtually can register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2048&EventID=551851&PK=

About Oxford County Library

With a vision to “connect, discover, share, become,” Oxford County Library provides Oxford’s communities with excellent, responsive services in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Services encompass free lending of books, DVDs and other materials; access to online catalogues, databases and lifelong learning tools; community information; local history and genealogy support; children’s, teen, and adult programming; literacy services; job search resources and information about government services; computer access; the Kitchen Library and more. The Library’s 14 branches are located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg. For more information visit www.ocl.net.

About Oxford County

Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 140,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.