Queen Street Urban Revolution & the hub of the settler's wheel

Queen Street South in Kitchener follows the original road between the homestead of the first settlers, Joseph Schneider, and the spot where he allowed the first blacksmith to set up shop-- now the location of the Walper Hotel. It was Joseph Schneider who cut down the first tree in 1807 to build a log cabin. The Joseph Schneider Haus, now a National Historic Site, was built later in 1838. If one looks carefully, one can discern the size of the original trees in the Grand River Valley in the beams in the basement and in the attic roof. Since then, this clearing in the forest has undergone many name changes: Sand Hills, Ebytown, Berlin, and now Kitchener. As well, the settlement begun here in 1807 has expanded outwards to include the earlier settlements in Doon-Blair ca 1800. Doon residents proudly declare to all who will listen, "Kitchener began here" even as folks downtown point to the Schneider Haus to insist," No, it began right here!"