As you arrive, you will be greeted by The Three Bears.  Next your eye may be drawn to the trio of genuine Whale bones beyond.   To the right of those is the stately residence which was built in 1870 and served as a Coaching Inn and Tavern.

The Three Bears and Whale BonesFollowing the war of 1812-14, Central Ontario was being gradually “settled”.  One of these settlers was William Hall, an immigrant from England who acquired land in the Mono Township of Dufferin County.

The enterprising Hall proceeded to erect a log structure of sufficient dimensions to provide lodgings and meals to passing travelers.  This enterprise was known as Hall’s Tavern.

Wm. Hall’s fame as a witty, good-humored storyteller spread far and wide and his tavern was sought out by many travelers for they were assured of a comfortable bed, a warm room with good food and an interesting host.

Consequently William’s land holdings expanded to encompass more than 3,000 acres through the four townships of Mono, Mulmur, Melancthon and Amaranth.  Since then, the 4 Corners on Highway 89 has been known as “Hall’s Corners”.

All traces of the log building have since been erased by the ravages of time.  This historical fact is remembered by a plaque placed at th e entrance to the Trees of Vanaheim by the Mulmur Historical Society.

The present brick house was built in 1870 and this served not only as Hall’s Tavern but a coaching inn for travelers going from Toronto to Owen Sound.
A view from the driveway
Following the death of the last of William Hall’s nine children, the farm came up for sale and was purchased by the present owner, Dr. Wilfred S. Goodman.

As a Centennial Project in 1967, Dr. Goodman named the farm, “Vanaheim”, meaning in Nordic mythology, “home of the four winds”.   This is appropriate since Dufferin County has a vertical elevation of 1,500 feet, and the winds are frequent and strong.   The Nordic connection comes from his father who emigrated from Iceland in 1890.

So, welcome to the Trees of Vanaheim, the home of the four winds.  You are warmly invited to visit to see the beauty of the land and trees, along with a bit of local history for yourself!  If, and when, a visit is planned, be sure to bring along your camera, as well as your walking shoes.  Warm togs are recommended to protect you from the wind & weather, and to prolong your enjoyment of the great outdoors!