Founding and Early History: In 1855, Valleybrook was founded by a group of pioneers led by the Harrington family, who were inspired by the beauty of the Scajaquada Valley and the promise of industry along its fertile banks. They named the town "Valleybrook" to reflect its location in the picturesque valley. The initial settlement involved the Harrington family, the Kowalski family, and the O'Connor family and by 1865 the population reached 150.

Early Iron Industry: Valleybrook quickly became a thriving industrial center, boasting a booming iron industry. The presence of high-quality iron ore deposits in the surrounding hills led to the establishment of a rich mining community. The first mines opened up in 1860 and were instrumental in providing iron for the formation of the Scajaquada Valley Northern's rail. A number of smaller claims were established but it was Andrew Carnegie who began investing in larger operations in the area in 1895 under his company the Carnegie Steel Company. In 1901 this became a US Steel Mine. This boom period saw the population rise to 4,317 as an influx of immigrant workers came to earn good money in the mine.

Cultural Influences: Valleybrook was a melting pot of cultural influences, with immigrant workers from various backgrounds contributing to its unique cultural tapestry. German, Polish, Irish, and Italian immigrants were among the earliest settlers, and their traditions continue to be celebrated in the town's annual cultural festivals, including Dyngus Day.

Scajaquada Valley Northern Railway: The Scajaquada Valley Northern Railway, established in 1871, played a pivotal role in Valleybrook's growth. This railway was instrumental in transporting raw materials to the town's industries and moving finished products to market. Valleybrook prospered as the railway connected it with Vandorf station to the south, and Harrington Springs to the north.

Decline in the 1930s: The Great Depression brought financial stress to the whole region. The Scajaquada Valley Northern Railway ceased operations due to that financial burden in 1933, and the line was assumed by the Canadian National Railway, but it took several months to replace the bridge and repair trackage between Vandorf and Valleybrook. This led to reduced services in the communities it served and thus more stress for a period. The loss of rail connectivity hit Valleybrook's industries hard. Production of Iron was reduced. But due to road connections, the Mines remained in operation. There were still layoffs however which was a hard blow to the local community. The population dwindled to it's lowest since it's previous boom period, with a popualtion of 1,603.

Some Hope in 1960: In 1961, Boreal University opened it's doors in Valleybrook, specializing in Northern eco-sciences and geology studies. The University brought an influd of educated workers, which was a boost to the local economy.

Paper Industry: In 1981, the Cascades Paper company opened a Paper Mill in Valleybrook, which initially utilized truck transportation to transport pulpwood from the nearby Lumber and Logging operations. The Paper Mill occupied the site of the former 19th century smelting foundry which had long been abandoned.

Rebirth in 1991: In the 1990's the town experienced a resurgence in industrial activity, with the iron industry making a notable comeback. The Paper Mill enjoyed the new rail connections also. The railway, now operated by locally managed Scajaquada Valley Northern, facilitated the efficient transportation of goods, and Valleybrook's businesses once again thrived. The town now has a healthy population of 7,427 as of the 2021 Census.

Today, Valleybrook stands as a testament to its founders' vision and its community's resilience. It embraces its industrial heritage while leveraging modern transportation networks and sustainable practices. Prominent residents like Emily Harrington, a descendant of the town's founders, played a pivotal role in preserving the town's history and leading efforts to revitalize the local economy. Valleybrook remains a vibrant community in the scenic Scajaquada Valley, welcoming visitors to experience its rich history and promising future.