Doaktown acquired its name from Robert Doak, who was born on 4 April 1785 in the Parish of Ochiltree, Ayrshire, Scotland.  He, his wife, Jane Kirkland, and one or more children came to New Brunswick in 1815 and settled in the Miramichi area.

On April 1, 1825 Squire Doak purchased Lot 45 from the Ephraim Wheeler Betts estate, the site of the present Doak Historic Park.  He constructed and operated a carding mill, grist mill and kiln and later a saw mill and oat mill.  These were built on the opposite side of the highway from the home.  He farmed extensively.

He was Justice of the Peace for nearly thirty years and performed many local marriages.  He presided over many court cases and acted as coroner.

Squire Doak and his wife had a family of six.  One son, James Andrew, remained on the farm which was in the possession of his descendants until 1979.  Another son, Rev. William Doak married Rachael Edison, who was a first cousin of Thomas A. Edison, the inventor. Squire Doak died at Doaktown on 5 April 1857 and is buried in the United Church Cemetery.

The Doak Historic Park now operates from July 1st until Labour Day Weekend.  It takes the visitor back in years to the early beginning of the Village, incorporating the Doak Homestead as the center piece of the Park.  For more information, you can visit their website.

Doak Historic Park
On August 5, 2000 an elm tree was planted at the Doak Historic site in memory of Squire Doak. This was organized by the Mega Reunion Planning Committee for their 2000 school reunion.

In the summer of 2001 weavers were introduced as an attraction at the Doak House. Their newly purchased looms provided a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see weaving in action and their woven items can be purchased, such as tablecloths, linens, placemats, etc. Drop by and visit them and learn the history of weaving in the area. There is a weaving studio on site and in full production for the tourist to view and even purchase goods. There will be Spinning, Weaving and Rug Making this summer (2005). For times, please contact the Site at 365-2026. See Local Attractions page for more information.

Quote from "The Doaktown Review", published in 1902:
"People after a time began to spin and weave and make different styles of plaids for mens and womens wear and some of the patterns were pretty loud and the up-river people were known by the large pattern of the plaid, and the farther up the river the larger the plaid."

Note: The Village office does not keep records, backgrounds of families, old newspapers or other such information for research purposes. If you would like more information on Doaktown or maybe a family name, the staff at the Atlantic Salmon Museum can be quite helpful. They have a wide selection of photos and artifacts and written history on the Doaktown area. They can also refer you to local researchers who have done a tremendous amount of work on the local history and its people. The Doak Historic Site also has history pertaining to the Doak Family.

You can also check at the New Brunswick Provincial Archives. There is also a Doak Family Message Board where you may be able to find more information on your Doak Heritage.

Doak Historic Site - (506-365-2026) - Summer Months only