The story of Townsend — why it was planned, how it was built, why it failed to become a super city, and what it is like today.

About this event

Taking place, Jan. 20, the first Hometown Chat of the year will take place virtually. Local historian and journalist David Judd will present a 45-minute presentation on Townsend: the city that never was. It tells the story of Townsend — why it was planned, how it was built, why it failed to become a super city, and what it is like today. 

Please donate in support of this event brought to you by the Norfolk County Archives A minimum donation of $5 is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support! 

** A LINK TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION WILL BE PROVIDED ON JANUARY 20TH **

Many of you know David Judd as the reporter who covers county council for the Port Dover Maple Leaf.

David Judd was born and raised in Simcoe. He graduated from Simcoe Composite School and earned an Honours B.A. in history from Wilfrid Laurier University.

He has been a journalist for 40 years, first as a reporter with the weekly Nanticoke Times newspaper in Waterford, then as a reporter, editor, and managing editor at the Brantford Expositor. For the last 10 years, he has covered Norfolk County council for the Port Dover Maple Leaf.

In the 1970s, he helped write histories of Waterford and Townsend and the Town of Simcoe, and in retirement, he edited a photo history of Port Dover. More recently, he and his wife Colleen Cross proofread the newly published book Norfolk Remembers the Second World War. 

David covered Townsend’s groundbreaking in 1979 and the first years of its development. He has written and presented about Townsend several times over the years.