When writing the Age of Adventure series, I leaned heavily upon my memories of my home towns, “Fergus” and “Elora” that was the source for Willard’s home towns of “Angus” and “Alora”.
Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about Fergus
Here’s Wikipedia’s description of “The Grand” river, inspiration for “The Divine” river.
Willard’s public school “James Black Elementary” was a mix of my public school James McQueen and my sister’s school John Black PS.
The Swimming Pool Will sneaks around that’s just situated on the banks of “The Divine” is based on the old swimming pool in Fergus. Unfortunately its been closed down. It needs a transfusion of funds, if anyone is a multi-millionaire looking at this.
Some other pictures of the town.
Groves Mills
The Grand
Another of the old Pool with the bridge where I lost my bathing suit. Since watching it fall, I’ve always had a desire to jump off of heights. Scary!
This is a small picture of my High School before it got knocked down. Centre Wellington District High School (always called CWDHS)
Elora Quarry. Lots of movies filmed here. Inspiration for the caves that Willard takes first Kyann and then Hellen. And another shot here.
Downtown Elora from the Grand perspective.
One of my jobs I kept in university was working security nights at this Inn. They have a waterfall, and generate their own power and sell it back to the town for a profit!
Can you see Kyann and Willard playing in the Elora Gorge? Maybe here?
Yes, I had a stupidly idyllic childhood.
Thanks so much for walking with me down memory lane, and seeing a little of where Willard came from!
