The Harrington Community Club is dedicated to the preservation of rural heritage and the authentic restoration of the Harrington Grist Mill as a functional museum and working educational site. 

This restoration work was profiled in the Fall 2010 edition of Zorra Now or you can find out more by visiting the Harrington Grist Mill's website.

Harrington Grist Mill Restoration Project
Tim Van de Kemp, Chairman
519-475-4376
Email

A Canadian Hero in Taiwan
George Leslie Mackay (1844 - 1901)
 
Son of Scots immigrants, Presbyterian missionary George Mackay was born near Embro in Zorra Township. In 1872, he founded the first overseas mission in Tamsui, Taiwan. An unconventional character, but sensitive to local needs, Mackay practised dentistry and trained local clergy. He married a Taiwanese, Tiun Chhang-Mian, and had three children. The "Black-Bearded Barbarian" worked in the Tamsui region until his death, established 60 chapels, several schools and a hospital. In 1881, he raised funds here in Oxford County to help build Oxford College, Tamsui, which later became a university. He was also an outspoken opponent of the Canadian head tax on Chinese immigrants. An inspiration to the evangelical missions movement in Ontario, Mackay remains a national hero in Taiwan. (Ontario Heritage Foundation)

For more information about Reverend Mackay, please visit the Oxford County Library website.

"Historically Bound" The History of Embro and West Zorra was officially released at a book launch on December 7, 2008, at the Embro West Zorra Community Centre.  The two volume set contains over 1,600 pages and profiles each of the Concessions and Lots in West Zorra and streets in Embro and Harrington.  The book looks at settlements, development of agriculture, government, business, architecture, military, sports, education, war years and profiles hundreds of familes in West Zorra and Embro. 

Copies of "Historically Bound" can be purchased at the Township Office for $110.00 or by contacting Margaret Lupton at 519-475-4443 or Helen Brenneman at 519-475-4874.