North Buxton: A Journey of Freedom and Unity

Apr 09, 2025

By Kelly McRobert

Carleton Brown stood at the front of the Trinity United Church in Verona for their Sunday morning service. His warm, steady voice weaved together the threads of his ancestors' complex journeys. The congregation sat in rapt attention, transported to an era of slavery and determination, where the promise of freedom lit the path northward. Carleton's words were not just a recounting of history—they were an invitation to feel the heartbeat of resilience that coursed through generations of his family, from the plantations of the American South to the woodlands of North Buxton, Ontario.

Carleton shared the story of his parents. His father dedicated 37 years of hard work to the Canadian Pacific Railway, knowing that, at the time, black men were barred from promotion to conductor—a stark reminder of the racist barriers they faced. Meanwhile, his mother rose at 5:30 every morning to tend to the milk cows. They married on Labour Day in 1943, a symbolic union that, as Carleton revealed, resonated deeply with the annual celebrations of freedom and hope that would later define North Buxton.

As Carleton spoke, his wife, Linda, sat nearby, a pillar of quiet strength. Their love, which had once faced the piercing gaze of racism in the 1960s, now stood as a testament to the unity and understanding they had fought so hard to build.

Midway through his speech, Carleton's voice faltered, his eyes glistening with tears as the weight of history and inherited trauma pressed upon him His words grew heavy when he spoke of The Liberty Bell in North Buxton, which was initially cast in 1850 and presented to Reverend William King by the Black community of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was hung in the Church Tower in the Elgin Settlement (now North Buxton) to celebrate the arrival of each fugitive slave who had finally reached freedom. The bell became a powerful symbol of liberty, ringing out to mark the triumph of those who escaped slavery and found sanctuary in the settlement.

But Carleton’s story didn’t remain confined to words that day. Jean Clair, a local quilter, stepped forward, directing the congregation's attention to a quilt. The Black History quilt is a tapestry of symbolism and memory, with each square a window into the lives of the enslaved and the brave travelers who dared to flee.

Carleton listened quietly as Jean turned to the quilt and gently traced her fingers along the fabric. Jean Clair, an expert quilter with an eye for detail, meticulously described each quilt square, pausing to demonstrate the intricate Flying Geese piece with such precision that one could almost feel the movement it symbolized. Each square is a coded message, silently stitched with hope and survival. Hung inconspicuously in plain sight, these quilts served as secret roadmaps to freedom, their symbols guiding enslaved ancestors northward under the very watchful eyes of those who sought to oppress them. Every thread told a story; every design carried a lifeline.

The listeners leaned forward as Jean began pointing to 15 individual squares. One depicted a starry night, representing the North Star that guided countless souls to safety. Another showed a log cabin, a symbol of a haven for fugitives. And yet another featured a bold zigzag pattern, a reminder of the dangerous and indirect routes that travelers often had to take to evade capture.

"This," Jean began, pointing to a square that depicted a ladder stretching skyward, "is Jacob's Ladder." It represented the route to freedom—the journey north to Canada." On cue, the choir beside her began a heartfelt rendition of "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder," their voices lifting the spirits of all present.

The next square showed a wheel. "The Wagon Wheel, or Carpenter's Wheel, reminded them to pack enough provisions”. This journey was not a sprint—it was a test of endurance. Another square was adorned with a bear's paw. "Follow the Bear's Paw—it means to stay on trails where food and water can be found."

Carleton then turned back to the room, noting that in Buxton, he  found solace—a place where he could feel safe, comfortable, and at ease among a majority who shared his history and experiences. It was a rare haven where Black men and women thrived, building lives grounded in education, success, and dignity. Yet, the shadow of racism loomed beyond its borders, an oppressive force that sought to break the spirit of those who dared to rise above. Despite their achievements and resilience, there were always those who sought to suppress and control, unable to accept the strength of a community determined to live freely and prosper. Buxton stood as both a refuge and a symbol of quiet defiance, where the echoes of perseverance could not be silenced.

As he concluded his presentation, he spoke of the North Buxton Labour Day Homecoming—a cherished tradition he attends without fail each year. For four days, the community comes alive, a reunion of hearts and histories in celebration of freedom and unity. Now in its 102nd year, the event is more than a gathering; it is a living testament to the strength and legacy of those who paved the way, a time for reconnecting with the past and guiding the way forward — a future without hate and bigotry.

The choir sang again, with over 50 community members joining in, their voices blending in harmony as they sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a fitting anthem to the enduring spirit of those who had journeyed north. The quilt wasn’t just fabric; it was a lifeline, a map, a legacy, a bridge between past and present.

You can find detailed information about the North Buxton Homecoming events on the Chatham-Kent tourism website or through CK News Today. Both sources provide insights into the history, schedule, and activities of this cherished annual celebration.