Regional history at its best.

One of Ontario's most beautifully pastoral counties exists just minutes from the urban sprawl of Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton. In this lively look at historic and modern Wellington County, resident author, photographer and geographer Fred Dahms examines how an ancient legacy of water and stone has shaped its many communities -- where and how they were built, their architecture and their degree of economic success.

The county's remarkable landforms and waterways include such popular destinations as Rockwood's caves and potholes, the Elora Gorge, North America's largest kettle lake at Puslinch and many more. Its cities, towns and villages boast thousands of charming 19th-century limestone homes and public buildings, as well as many historic mills.

The book pays particular attention to the "Royal City" of Guelph and the twin tourist towns of Elora and Fergus, but it also discusses the smaller villages and hamlets and the entire county's surprising wealth of artists and artisans.

Included are the following communities:

• Aberfoyle
• Aboyne
• Arthur
• Belwood
• Clifford
• Crieff
• Drayton
• Elora
• Erin
• Fergus
• Guelph
• Harriston
• Hillsburgh
• Minto
• Morriston
• Mount Forest
• Orton
• Palmerston
• Puslinch
• Rockwood
• Salem

FRED DAHMS is Professor Emeritus, founding member and former Chair of the Department of Geography, University of Guelph. In addition to many academic publications, he has written and edited popular books, including The Heart of the Country, and contributed articles to Canadian Geographic. He is a resident of Guelph.

Fred Dahms' profile page

This is an ideal book for anyone interested in the area.... Wellington County is an excellent reason to have one of the bestselling authors in Bookshelf history back on the shelves.

Bookshelf [Guelph ON]

Fred Dahms' interest and background in geography is evident throughout the readable text and abundance of lavish photographs in Wellington County. A founding member of the University of Guelph's Department of Geography, Damns' enthusiasm and appreciation for his subject is clear. Author of several non-academic books exploring the small communities and landscapes of Canada, Dahms' newest work is a treat for amateur historians and geographers, as well as residents of Wellington County or day-trippers searching for an afternoon's adventure.... Wellington County is both a visually beautiful book and an insightful one.... For amateur historians and geographers it is an excellent example of a well-researched book of local interest that is both readable and knowledgeable. It is especially of interest for those wishing to explore Wellington County for the first time, or local citizens looking to learn more about their own communities.

Ontario History, The Journal of the Ontario Historical Society, Vol. C1, No. 1

Wellington County is steeped in both history and scencic countryside... Author and geographer Fred Dahms has captured the special place in [this] book.

Sideroads

With [Dahms'] new book, Wellington County, on your bookshelf, you'll be inspired to discover some local treasures this summer.

at Guelph

A lively look at historic and modern Wellington County.

Fergus-Elora News Express

Fred Dahms is a retired University of Guelph professor of geography and his knowledge in this field adds to the appeal of this attractive book.

The Guelph Mercury

Whether you are a current or a former resident of this beautiful county, you will enjoy the informative text and stunning photographs of Wellington County by Fred Dahms.

MetrolandNorth.typepad.com

Fred Dahms brings an eye for detail and an extensive knowledge of history and community development to his new book, simply titled Wellington County.... A straightforward writing style, airy design and plentiful photographs make what could be weighty subject matter easy to absorb... Overall, the book would make a useful home reference thanks to its county statistics, detail on geographical features and photograph after photograph of significant homes, churches, waterwys and attractions.

Grand Magazine (Kitchener)

This beautiful book is not just a pretty face for presenting the development and attractions of Wellington County. It is not just a travelogue or an album of stunning pictures, although it serves both functions very well indeed... What makes the book stand out...is the author's passion for the County and his strong concerns about its future in the force of development and environmental pressures... If you want a guide to tour a beautiful part of Ontario, or if you want a description of our rural and small town heritage, or if you want reasons to fight for the future of our towns and farms, you can read this book about Wellington County, Ontario's heartland.

The Journal of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 2

Dahms offers photos and commentary on the county's past, present and future.

Waterloo Region Record; therecord.com