The Review Mirror - About Us - Weekly newspaper serving Westport, Ontario the Rideau Lakes and the Rideau Valley

Our 116th year serving North Leeds

The Review Mirror - A Brief History...

The following is taken from an article titled "Mirror Memories" by Lucille Bresee. It was originally published as part of a special issue celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Review Mirror

The Village of Westport, population 700, lies nestled in a little valley at the foot of the tip of the Laurentian Mountain chain and between the Upper and Lower Rideau and Sand Lakes. As one comes upon the Village from any of the four entrances, the first impression is of the scenic beauty of the place. This beauty, combined with the genuine friendliness of the people have made the area one of the most sought after tourist haunts in Easter Ontario.

The weekly newspaper is a vital part of the life of a small community and the people of Westport and vicinity have been served well since the first issue of the Westport Mirror. It was published in 1893 with H.E. Bywater as the first editor.

But Adams took over the paper and from letters written by his daughter Jennie, we learn that in those days the paper came in large sheets, either from Ottawa or Toronto. One side was already printed and Mr. Adams then filled the other sheet with local news and ads. He printed it on a huge noisy press in the Mirror Office, a press which she says, "often broke down". Many of his ads were for the government or C.P. and C.N. Railways and he usually got free passes on the train as payment.

One year the Mirror ran a contest for new subscribers and the winner would get an all expense paid trip to the Toronto Exhibition. Over the years the Westport Mirror reached and passed a number of milestones as it continued to serve its community. Below are pictures of some of the men who have shaped the Review Mirror over the years.
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Burt Adams	Arthur Niblock	James Niblock	F.L. Hutchinson

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