Holiday

The Crossroads, now known as Holiday, has historically been known by many names at the town line between East Nissouri and the former West Zorra Township Road 78. According to W.J. Winterberg, the hamlet was known as Nissouri since 1853. In 1880, Holiday was known as McBrayne's Corners. It boasted a school, a blacksmith shop, and a general store. The population was 25, and mail was delivered daily. Mr. McBrayne owned a hotel and general store on the southwest corner of the farm at Lot 11 Con 1 West Zorra. The hotel was also home to a local post office. Before the CPR was established through Thamesford, mail was delivered via stage from Ingersoll. According to post office records, the town name was officially changed from Nissouri to Holiday in October 1894. By 1902, the population of Holiday had risen to nearly 50 people. A spring carried throughout the citizens' farms and eventually branched into the Thames River. This spring proved greatly important during the Depression, allowing families to easily access water and giving the children a place to play. The community in Holiday was very close and held many events together.