Altona was founded by Swiss-German Mennonites who had migrated from Pennsylvaia after a six-week journey in 5 covered wagons. In 1850, Abraham Reesor (son of Peter Reesor) built the first flour mill in Altona. There was also a general store built by Joseph Monkhouse and an inn built by William Cooper that were established that same year.
Two years later, in 1852, the Altona Mennonite Meeting House was errected. The first grave dates back to 1835, and local family names including the Barkeys, Reesors, Widmans, Nighswanders, Hoovers, and Stouffers are buried in the graveyarn surrounding the meeting house. The founder of Stouffville, Abraham Stouffer and his wife Elizabeth Reesor Stouffer, are also buried here.
The first schoolhouse was built in 1834, and by 1869 the hamlet has a regular stagecoach to Stouffville and Toronto.
TO FIND THE CACHE:
The posted coordinates take you to a plaque in front of the meeting house.
Northing: What year is at the top of the plaque? Divide this 4-digit number by 1000. Add it to the meaningless north coordinates below.
Westing: What year was the last service held? Divide this 4-digit number by 1000. Add it to the meaningless west coordinates below.
N43° 56.463 W79° 09.741
Cache is located a short drive down the country road. Terrain rating reflects the steep ditch at GZ. Also, be sure to find GC66DMG -- One Cat's 1000th find!!! which is located near the cemetery before you leave.
Congratulations to SVXcacher on the FTF!