The Higginson Tower

The Higginson Tower Enjoy a bilingual experience as you learn about the history behind this beautiful structure. En 1830, lors de sa construction par M.

_______________________________________________________________

The Higginson Observation Tower represents the many positive contributions to Vankleek Hill made by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Higginson (1794 -1884), an emigrant from County Antrim, Ireland, who left Ireland in 1819 and settled in Vankleek Hill in 1829. The Higginson Observation Tower was constructed by Higginson as a windmill in c.

1830 for grinding wheat and corn to further the commercial development of Vankleek Hill and the immediate district. When this project failed due to lack of consistent wind power, Higginson, (commissioned lieutenant in the Prescott Regiment on April 23, 1839) transformed the mill into the first private observatory in Eastern Ontario.
_______________________________________________________________

La Tour d'observation Higginson illustre les nombreuses contributions du lieutenant-colonel Thomas Higginson, un Irlandais natif du comté d’Antrim qui émigra au Canada en 1819 et qui s’installa à Vankleek Hill en 1829. Thomas Higginson (1794-1884), la Tour d'observation Higginson servait de moulin à vent pour moudre le blé et le maïs tout en améliorant le développement commercial de la région immédiate de Vankleek Hill. Suite à l’échec de ce projet en raison de l’insuffisance du vent, l’on attribue à Monsieur Thomas Higginson, (nommé lieutenant au régiment de Prescott le 23 avril 1839) la transformation de ce moulin à vent en premier observatoire privé de l’Est l'Ontarien.

04/11/2026
Wasn't that a party? It felt like a homecoming last night for Pete Paquette, who gave the audience a wonderful and perso...
12/13/2025

Wasn't that a party?

It felt like a homecoming last night for Pete Paquette, who gave the audience a wonderful and personal Christmas gift last night -- An Elvis Christmas Special was a terrific concert and a special evening for all of us.

The Higginson Tower thanks everyone from Paquette Productions -- the great advance sound man Brett, tour manager Connie and a terrific crew of musicians and the Tonettes for making this such a memorable show!

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE VCI STAFF: especially to Sarah Dagg who had to reschedule a drama performance not once, but twice and then enlisted lots of help to clear the stage quickly for the Elvis advance team on Friday! Special thanks to the student helpers who got an up-close glimpse of professional show staging and sound, to Scott Allen for coming to the rescue with a 14-foot stepladder, to A Catered Affair for the meals for performers and crew (the meals got rave reviews), to VCI front-line staff member Steacy Rigby and to VCI Principal Ewen McIntosh -- also to the super custodians: who helped us make everything work and to now-retired VCI staff member Lois Linttell who did so much to help us get the ball rolling with the school board months ago!

And of course: We SO APPRECIATE our sponsors: Scotiabank Vankleek Hill (three of their staff were our ushers last night), to Assurance Théorêt Martel Insurance, to Hawkesbury Toyota, Vera Page and one anonymous sponsor!

And to the 375-member sold-out audience who made the show come to life -- THANK YOU ALL for your support!

Here are a few pics from last night! Visit the Paquette Productions page to watch a video!

Tomorrow is the day!The Elvis Christmas Special with Pete Paquette starts at 7 with doors opening at 630.We look forward...
12/12/2025

Tomorrow is the day!
The Elvis Christmas Special with Pete Paquette starts at 7 with doors opening at 630.
We look forward to this wonderful sold out show.
See you all tomorrow.

2 more sleeps until Elvis is coming to town!We can’t wait to enjoy this sold out show at VCI!Doors open at 630.See you F...
12/11/2025

2 more sleeps until Elvis is coming to town!
We can’t wait to enjoy this sold out show at VCI!
Doors open at 630.
See you Friday!

This Friday, December 12th is the day!VankleekHill’s very own, Pete Paquette will be at VCI, in the cafetorium, playing ...
12/09/2025

This Friday, December 12th is the day!
VankleekHill’s very own, Pete Paquette will be at VCI, in the cafetorium, playing a sold out show!
If you were lucky enough to get a ticket, be advised that the doors open at 630.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Let's owl be careful!Hello, friends: Just a reminder to be vigilant in case someone offers to sell you tickets to our so...
11/27/2025

Let's owl be careful!

Hello, friends: Just a reminder to be vigilant in case someone offers to sell you tickets to our sold-out Elvis: A Christmas Special concert.

While we are trying to do something good here and raise funds for the Higginson Tower, others are not having as much fun as we are and are up to no good, unfortunately.

You can google my name and find my cell # or send us a message via Facebook if you need to confirm anything!

Louise Sproule,
Co-Chair,
Higginson Tower Committee

And then there was one. And then we were SOLD OUT! We just sold our VERY LAST TICKET to the Elvis: A Christmas Special e...
11/27/2025

And then there was one. And then we were SOLD OUT!

We just sold our VERY LAST TICKET to the Elvis: A Christmas Special event taking place at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute - UCDSB on Friday, December 12, 2025!

This is a fundraiser for the The Higginson Tower -- a HUGE thank you to Scotiabank in Vankleek Hill and their staff for selling tickets for us!

A note to all ticket-holders: We will open the school doors on December 12 at 6 pm so you can come inside and line up! The doors to the cafetorium open at 6:30 pm -- and we will have ushers to take you to your seats!

THIS CONCERT IS GENERAL SEATING! So if you are up to it, arrive early to get in line.

Tickets are running out! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to come see Vankleek Hill’s very own Pete Paquette, with Paq...
11/24/2025

Tickets are running out! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to come see Vankleek Hill’s very own Pete Paquette, with Paquette Productions, perform « Elvis, a Christmas Special » in the VCI cafetorium, on December 12th! He will be meeting with people after the show!

Tickets are 45$ and are on sale at Scotiabank or online!
Come enjoy a great performance while supporting the Higginson Tower.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVxHLvYka/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Les billets so vendent vites! Manquez pas cette opportunité unique pour venir voir Pete Paquette, avec Elvis Productions, présenter un spectacle « Elvis, a Christmas Special » ici, à Vankleek Hill dans sa ville natale. Ce spectacle prendra place à VCI le 12 Septembre 2025. Il va rencontrer les gens suite à son spectacle!

Les billets coûtent 45$ et sont en vente à la Scotiabank ici à Vankleek Hill ou en ligne!
Venez voir un magnifique spectacle et soutenir la tour Higginson!

Have you ever wanted to meet Elvis?Come see Vankleek Hill’s very own Pete Paquette, with Paquette Productions, perform «...
10/26/2025

Have you ever wanted to meet Elvis?
Come see Vankleek Hill’s very own Pete Paquette, with Paquette Productions, perform « Elvis, a Christmas Special » in the VCI cafetorium, on December 12th! He will be meeting with people after the show!

Tickets are 45$ and are on sale at Scotiabank or online!
Come enjoy a great performance while supporting the Higginson Tower.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVxHLvYka/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Avez vous déjà voulu rencontrez Elvis Presley? Venez voir Pete Paquette, avec Elvis Productions, présenter un spectacle « Elvis, a Christmas Special » ici, à Vankleek Hill dans sa ville natale. Ce spectacle prendra place à VCI le 12 Septembre 2025. Il va rencontrer les gens suite à son spectacle!

Les billets coûtent 45$ et sont en vente à la Scotiabank ici à Vankleek Hill ou en ligne!
Venez voir un magnifique spectacle et soutenir la tour Higginson!

Isn't it special when someone returns to their hometown to do what they do best? We are so grateful that Pete Paquette w...
10/22/2025

Isn't it special when someone returns to their hometown to do what they do best?

We are so grateful that Pete Paquette will be bringing his full-up Elvis: A Christmas Special to the VCI Cafetorium on Friday, December 12!

Better still: Pete has told us he will be in the lobby after the show to meet up with old friends and longtime fans! (Thank you very much, Pete!)

Don't miss out! Buy your tickets and support the Higginson Tower at the same time! Note: it's general seating so arrive early and our ushers will help you find the best seats!

With thanks to our sponsors: Vankleek Hill Scotiabank, Theoret-Martel Insurance, Hawkesbury Toyota and Vera Page, along with a local anonymous sponsor -- for making this event possible!

You can also buy tickets in person at Scotiabank in Vankleek Hill, matching funds up to $3,000 for this event!

Buy securely online here:

Returning this Holiday season, the incredible showman, Pete Paquette, and his band, the Rockin’ Royals with the sensational Tonettes, brings you ”Elvis – A Christmas Special.”

Address

Highway 34
Vankleek Hill, ON
K0B1R0

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16136783327

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Higginson Tower posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share