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“We don’t want them to knowl It’s a hidden secret," jokes local resident lean Nauta when asked what people should know about her hamlet. Dave Probert was the most junior member, having jumped at Last monthltouredaround some of York Region's most interestingly named hamlets, but after breezing through on a quiet afternoon, I knew I had to return to Lemonville to learn more. Ms Nauta was among the long- time residents who came to meet me at the Lemonville Community Centre. The I sque, UEINUII IIUCK stretch of McGowan Road south of Born and bred in Lemonville, Bloomington Road is a little oasis one-time councillor Jim Rae mar- for its residents. ‘ vels, recalling that his entire educaâ€" “We don’t want them to know*. tion took place in the community It’s a hidden secret," jokes local centre (it used to be the school- resident lean Nauta yvhen asked house) under only two teachers. Lemonville residents savour their community t may be an easy joke but it sure is sweet in Lemonville. BY DAVID FLEISCHER dfleischer®yrmg.com ’ STAFF PHOTO/SJOERD WITTEVEEN Lemonville is a tiny Whitdiurch-Stoufl'ville community at McCowan and Bethesda few people know about. Just the way many of its longtime residents like it. The has been used as a backde for two‘l'ecent big budget movies. Walking on McGowan are David Probert (from left) Marion Wells, lean Nauta, Blanche Cook, Iim Rae and Jane Cook. In the distance: Scarborough. the chance to leave the concrete jungle of 'Ibronto, purchasing 10 acres in the community back in 1977. “My favourite thing about the community is that we still are a community," longtime reSident Marion Wells says. And the unofficial community matriarch is Blanche Cook, who turns 99 later this year. “It’s a great community,” he adds. “If you do anything wrong they tell you." “I never looked back. I got sucked in," jokes Mr. Probert. She recalls coming to town at DETROIT TIGER we: “ . 0 Children Pami The group easily falls into ban- tering about old farms, former teachers and trips to the gener- al store. Part of that is no doubt spuned on by the fact that most of Everything shifted to pond hockey in the winter, but in the summer months it was baseball, ice cream socials, strawberry festi- vals and plays providing the social outlet. ' in 1936 she married Mr. Cook, a baseball player who spent time in Toronto and Buffalo, ultimately landing a brief stint with the Detroit Tigers in 1941. Back in the day he also helped the church team when they squared off with squads from Peaches, Vicâ€" toria Square and Uxbridge. “The community made its own fun.” Ms Wells says. the age 16 for a chicken supper at the church with a young man named Earl Cook The current population is esti- mated at around 75 people, but the assembly kworries that say- ing “fewer than 100” might make it sound precariously close to a metropolis of some kind. MOVIE SETS “This is downtown Lemonville,” Ms Wells says of the community centre that is hidden from McCowâ€" an Road, surrounded by a flower garden and a parking lot/ field. While much of Yerk Region has seen massive change, the popu- lation now is slightly less than recorded in 1871. recorded in 1871. Like nearby Peaches in Markham, the name's origin actu- ally has nothing to do with fruit. George Lemon arrived from New York State in 1802 and was A lack of congregants caused it to close in the 19503 before re-opening in 1961. Today, it frequently provides a picturesque wedding locale but more importantly, residents agree, it is the backbone of the community. them got the majority of their edu- granted 200 acres in Whitchurch cation in the very room in which Township. we are sitting. The 27-year-old was the eldest of Markham Fairgrounds 10801 McGowan Rd. (McCowan/Elgin Mills) Despite Lemonville's relatively remote location, Hollywood has also come calling a few times. Though it has seen additions since first built, the picture-perfect pioneer Lemonville United Church looks much as it did in 1869, com- plete with its historic cemetery. The pivotal bus crash in Atom Egoyan’s Academy-award nomi- nated The Sweet Hereafter was shot in Mrs. Cook's gravel pit and the somewhat less prestigious National lampoon’s Senior Tl'ip also shot in the area. The 27-year-old was the eldest of 14 siblings to settle in the area. www.markhamhomeshow.com Fm Ada-lulu: with tho Purchaoo of 1 Ticket Valuo $3.00 Mr ‘1.\‘}{}«_?§\Q‘=FAII HOMESHOW 'JI