About Bayham

Out of the amalgamation in 1998, arose the Municipality of Bayham. This Municipality contains seven hamlets that have their own charm and special surroundings. The Bayham communities are:

Was first located in 1821 by John Arnold. With the small town atmosphere, there is peace and quiet that allows residents to spend quality time with their families. With a history of music being a large form of entertainment for this area, Calton held the Calton Garden Parties during the 1950’s where there were professional performers such as Dickie Dean. Today Calton is home to the small whorled pogonia plant that is only found in one spot with southwestern Ontario. This particular spot is the Calton Swamp area.

Eden is a quaint village that has charm in spades. With a rich historical past, Eden has a general store that has been standing since 1950. Due to the way Eden roads are structured, this general store makes an imperfect square as the roads in Eden are not at 90 degree angles to each other. What was once a public school in Eden, is now a Community Centre run by volunteers and holds annual events each year such as Car Rally & BBQ, and a School Homecoming.

When first entering the Municipality of Bayham, you will drive through the lovely New England countryside. Today New England makes a great pit stop within the Bayham area as it boasts a gas station, variety store, and quiet hamlet in which to stop and enjoy the day with a picnic or other family activities.

With a great Provincial Park and places to camp with the family, Port Burwell makes a great place to relax with the family. Port Burwell’s history is deeply entrenched with the Harbour Shipping Company making the sites around Port Burwell all the more interesting to see. Sites in Port Burwell include the Marine Museum, one of the oldest lighthouses, and quaint shops that are sure to please anyone’s taste. Port Burwell also offers a gorgeous beach to which everyone is welcome to swim and enjoy hot summer days on.

As one of the first communities to settle in the area, Richmond is home to one of the first post offices in Bayham built in 1829. Its history includes the use of the two hotels in the area, for meetings held by Mackenzie supporters before the 1837 Rebellion. The Richmond United Church celebrated their 150th year in 2000. The unique history of this community makes it an interesting place to explore.

Straffordville, also known as Sandytown, was the place where the first meeting of the Township of Bayham was held in 1850 when they first became incorporated. Today Straffordville holds the Bayham Municipal office and the town is slowly growing in size with a Public School, variety store, and many quiet neighborhoods to raise a family in.

Once a very prosperous community, Vienna’s history is filled with tragedy that adds a charm to living in this small community. As of 2001 Vienna held a population of 566 residents and now holds many small businesses that are growing strong. The Edison Museum located in the heart of Vienna, places visitors back into the time of Edison and allows them to view the world through his eyes.