BAXTER, ONTARIO

'Baxter' is a small rural community approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The first people to settle in the area called it 'Cob Coy', which was an erroneous pronunciation of ''cabreeho,'' (a French term that describes an open building used for drying hay). In 1890, the name was changed to Baxter, which was the maiden name of the mother of then postmaster Jeremiah Coulson. Currently, an antique store called ''Cob Coy Antiques'' is the only visible reminder of the community's former name.
By 1911, Baxter had one general store located in the centre of the hamlet where Cob Coy Antiques now makes its home. It had one church, and a school, both of which remain in use. Currently, Baxter has two variety stores but most shopping must be done in the neighboring towns of Alliston, Barrie, or Angus, Ontario. Also Settler's Cabin, a decorative art studio located 2 km outside Baxter, is an original log cabin from the 19th century which they have now created into a store and studio.
Baxter has been an agricultural community and still remains a constant cultivater of potatoes and sod. Many of Baxter's residents are employed by Honda of Canada located in Alliston. Many others, however, commute to Toronto for employment.