History of Coboconk, Norland & Area
History is everywhere you look in Coboconk, Norland, and Rosedale – from the names of our communities to the historical buildings still in use today! We welcome you to discover what has shaped our area into the place we can all call home.
Coboconk and Norland, Then and Now
In early 1800’s, settlers came to this area for work and to make a homestead. Life was difficult then with no main roads and settlers had to grow root vegetables and cultivate livestock to get through the long winters. There was a booming lumber trade and the rivers supplied the energy to bring the logs to the mills. The land was rich in lumber and the soil was fertile, remnants of the Ice age. The ice age also pushed down the granite close to Norland and left the limestone that was further south in Coboconk. This is why Norland is called THE LAND BETWEEN. The town of Coboconk derives its name from the Native Americans that inhabited this area earlier. The Native Americans called it Kioshquabeconk (where the gulls nest).
Now, we have a main highway going through the towns. There are many beautiful lakes surrounding the area. Many people cottage here. There are beautiful resorts and places to stay. Norland and Coboconk also have some historical restaurants with lots of atmosphere. Norland has a beautiful golf course and Coboconk has one of the smallest jails. The Lions Park in Coboconk features a beautiful park, water fountain, a playground area for children, and a fantastic amphitheatre to enjoy live music. Coboconk is also home of Canada’s Fresh Water Summit – a weekend festival held in June with entertainment and lots of activities for children. Norland has a community centre and park offering skating in the winter. Both Coboconk and Norland host summer fairs with country flair.
We hope you will come and discover all we have to offer in this glorious region.