st. thomas
​little free libraries

  • tourism@stthomas.ca
605 Talbot Street
519-631-1680

For the explorer and the bibliophile...

You’ve just arrived in the Oakland neighborhood of Jingletown. While you may not experience the sounds of jingle bells, I can promise you that you’re in for a dose of rich Oakland history. 
The Jingletown story began around 1850 with the area called 'Fruit Vale.' The name Jingletown has two historical references. Approximately 150 years ago, the neighborhood primarily consisted of dairy farms. It’s said that the farmers carried bells and would ring, or “jingle,” them to bring the cows in – thus receiving the name Jingletown. At the turn-of-the-century, neighborhoods in Jingletown had a strong Portuguese presence. These workers, who didn't trust the banks in those days, would carry their money in their pockets, which would bring about a jingle sound. Not only did this signify that they were employed, the jingling was a sign of prosperity.
Today, the neighborhood is a prolific hub for sculptors, painters, photographers, musicians, and visual and mixed media artists. Many notable artists began their careers in Jingletown and still reside among its many converted warehouses and live/work lofts

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