DAVID ALLANSON JONES
OUR HISTORY
A Town
Built on Honey
Beeton's story is deeply rooted in beekeeping, community and a pioneering spirit. What began with two swarms of bees in the 1860s grew into a legacy that still lives on today.
A Town
Built on Honey
1880
A Bold Exhibitions
Jones made his mark at the first Industrial Exhibition in Toronto, bringing two boxcars of honey — 70,000 pounds from 400 hives.
1860s
Humble Beginnings
David Allanson Jones settled in Clarksville with two swarms of bees and a vision for beekeeping as an industry.
KEY MOMENTS
Jones was the first to import bees into Ontario from places like Cyprus, Palestine and Bornco. He also spread white clover seed along railways, helping create the pure, high-quality honey the area became known for.
Imported Bees
In 1875, Clarksville was renamed Bee Town in Jones' honour, and later changed to the shorter British form - Beeton.
From Clarksville to Beeton
KEY MOMENTS
Beeton's Main Street
A LASTING LEGACY
A Community with Character
Beeton's Main Street features beautiful late Victorian architecture. Though much of the original street was destroyed by a fire in 1892, the town rebuilt with red clay brick — a hallmark of Simcoe County. Over the years, Beeton has been home to many notable people and continues to honour its agricultural roots through the Honey & Garden festival, held each year on the last Saturday in May.