A Guide for Photographers and Explorers
Copyright 2011 Harold Stiver
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Version 1.0
ISBN #978-0-9868670-1-9
Table of Contents
List of Mills
Western Ontario Region
Brant County
Bruce County
Stark's Mill (Paisley City Roller Mills)
Grey County
Orchardville Mill (Beatty Gristmill)
Haldiman County
Huron County
Benmiller (Gledhill Wollen Mill/ Pfrimmer Mill)
Bluevale Mill
Norfolk County
Oxford County
Waterloo County
E.W.B. Snider (St. Jacobs Mill)
Wellington County
Wentworth County
Central Ontario Region
Durham County
Haliburton County
Halton County
Hamilton Region
Fishers Mill Ruins (Gore Mills)
Hastings County
Kawartha Lakes Region
Niagara Region
Ball's Falls Woollen Mill Ruins
Northumberland County
Ontario County
Peel County
Cataract Mill Ruins (Deagle Mill)
York County
Gooderham and Worts Distillery
Eastern Ontario Region
Frontenac County
Jackson's Mill (Glen Coe Mill)
Lower Brewers Mill (Washburn Mill)
Lanark County
Victoria Woollen Mill (Rosamond Mill 1)
Leeds and Grenville County
Lennox and Addington County
Northumberland County
Ottawa-Carleton Region
Watson's Mill (The Long Island Mill)
Perth County
Prince Edward County
Glenora Mill (Van Alstine Mill)
Renfrew County
Bowe's Mill (Fraser Mill, Tay View Mill)
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County
Northern Ontario Region
Manitoulin County
Parry Sound Region
Simcoe County
Sudbury Region
Self Guided Tours
Niagara Region Tour (Half Day)
Peterborough County Tour (Half Day)
Mississippi River Tour (Half Day)
Leeds and Grenville County Tour (Half Day)
Frontenac County Tour (Full Day)
Hastings County Tour (Half Day)
The Photographer's and Explorer's Series
What is included in this book
For each of the more than 180 historical mills found in Ontario, we have included photographs as well as descriptive and statistical data.
Following is data included for each bridge:
Name: This is listed in bold type, and where there are other names, it is the common name or the name listed on an accompanying plaque.
Other Names: If the mill is known by other names, you will find them in brackets after the common name.
Region: The mills have been grouped into four regions to make it easier to plan your trips. You can see the mills in each region through the Table of Contents. The regions encompass the following counties:
Western: Brant, Bruce, Grey, Haldiman, Huron, Norfolk, Norwich, Oxford, Waterloo, Wellington and Wentworth.
Central: Durham, Haliburton, Halton, Hamilton, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Niagara, Northumberland, Ontario, Peel, Peterborough and York.
Eastern: Frontenac, Glengarry, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Northumberland, Ottawa-Carleton, Perth, Prince Edward, Renfrew, and Stormont Dundas and Glengarry.
Northern: Manitoulin, Parry Sound, Simcoe and Sudbury
Type: The type of milling that was or is done is noted.
Location: The Nearest Settlement, Water Source and County are listed under this heading. These can be an aid in planning your trip and finding the building.
It is frustrating to go on an excursion to see something and not be able to find it. This book offers you multiple ways to ensure that doesn't happen.
Occasionally there is no water source and only the Nearest Settlement and County will be listed
When Built: The year the structure was built is shown if known.
Current Use: Very few of the mills are still actively milling, and this gives an idea of the current use.
Access: While almost all of the mills offer only reasonable exterior views, only a few offer interior access and this will be noted.
GPS Position: This is our recommended method. Enter the coordinates in a good GPS unit and it should take you right there. On rare occasions, you might find yourself directed to abandoned roads, so use common sense. The author visited all of these sites in a regular passenger vehicle.
Directions: Simple driving instructions are offered but GPS use is preferred.
History: A summary of the history of the mill is included although sometimes not a great deal is known.
Photography Tips: We offer a bit of advise on what we found that may offer interesting our unique opportunities for photography. Also have a look at our section on "Photographing Historic Mills".
Nearby Attractions: Generally this section lists the mills that are nearby, with a link to them. occasionally it lists other items of interest.
References: Links to websites of interest to this individual mill will be shown, especially if there is one dedicated to the mill.
Photographing Historic Mills
Some standard positions
Front: Taken to show the main entrance of the mill. This is often less than satisfying unless you can add interesting foreground elements such as flowers or artefacts.
3/4 view: Shows both the front and sides of the mill, and is often the most attractive.
Side view: Taken from a bank or from the river, this gives not only a nice view of the mill but usually allows for some interesting foreground elements.
Interior view: An image taken from the interior of the bridge will show some interesting structure as well as machinery but there is not a lot of available light. A tripod is important and HDR processing is helpful.
Landscape View: With the bridge smaller in the frame, you can introduce the habitat around it, particularly effective with colourful autumn foliage or with snow.
Details: Closer views will show interesting aspects of texture and weathering, old brick or wood. You can also find dramatic compositions in windows, doors and the mill race.
Reflections: Since most early mills were powered by water, you will usually find a river or millpond which will offer reflections of the mill.
Using HDR(High Dynamic Range)
HDR is a process where multiple images of varying exposure are combined to make one image.
It has a bad name with some people because many HDR images are super-saturated, a kind of digital age version of an Elvis painted on velvet. However, the process is actually about getting a full range of exposure with no burnt out highlights or blocked shadows.
This is an ideal processing solution for photographing Old Mills where you often have open light sky set against dark shadowed landscape and structure.
I use a series of three exposures at levels of -1 2/3, 0, +1 2/3, and this normally runs the full exposure range encountered. It is important to use a stable tripod.
One situation where you may need a larger series is shooting from within a mill and using the window to frame an outside scene. The dynamic range is huge and you will need to have a series with a much larger range.
There are a number of software programs you can use to combine these images including newer editions of Photoshop. I use Photomatix which I have found very versatile and easy to use.
Best times for photographing bridges
Mornings and evenings are generally the best times for outdoor photography but the use of HDR processing makes it easier even in bright direct light.
Although any season is good for mill photography, fall foliage included in a scene can be spectacular. In the winter, many photographers find their opportunities are limited but old mills make excellent subjects at that time of year.
Milling in Ontario
The first mills in Ontario were constructed as the first European settlers arrived. These mills were the lifeblood of the local economies, providing those early settlers with basic goods necessary for food, clothing and shelter, and offering an outlet for farmers to sell their goods. In fact mills were considered so important to new settlers that Britain used to send experienced millers to areas were there was new settlers.
Mills were generally within a day's wagon ride from the farms they serviced and it was natural that taverns, inns and commercial stores would spring up around the mills to accommodate these travellers.
Mills of the 19th Century could use such things as water, wind, horses and even humans to provide the energy needed to power mills. The overwhelming source in Ontario was water power and mills were usually built were the force of water was strong, often beside waterfalls. Waterwheels were first used. When the water turned the wheel by pouring onto the top of the wheel, the wheel was said to be overshot and undershot when it entered at the bottom. Later most of these waterwheels were replaced by turbines which spun like a child's top and were much more efficient.
A major event in the life of many mills was the building of the railways which could provide them with less expensive transport for their raw materials and finished foods. Where the railway was built often determined whether a mill would survive or not, and often determined if the surrounding communities would flourish or wither away.
By the middle of the 20th century many mills found themselves in financial difficulties due to many factors such as economy of scale and ceased operations. While some lay abandoned, many were converted to other uses such as restaurants and commercial offices. Many of the smaller stone buildings have been renovated as private residences.
List of Mills
Western Ontario Region
Brant County
Apps Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Brantford, Whiteman's Creek, Brant County
When Built: 1841
Current Use: Abandoned
Access: Exterior only
GPS Location: N: 43° 07.999' W: 80° 22.599'
Directions: From Highway 403 Brantford, take Rest Acres Rd/ Highway 24 south for 3.2 km. and turn right onto Robinson. Rd. After about 800 m. you cross a bridge and the mill is a short distance on the left.
History:
Built in 1841, it was actively operated until 1954. At that time Hurricane Hazel washed out the dam which supplied the mill with water and it was abandoned. It was purchased by the Grand Valley Conservation Authority but at present the building is deemed unsafe.
Photography Tips:
The windows set off by the warm brown siding provide excellent photographic compositions.
Nearby Attractions:
The St. George Mill is about a half hour drive.
References:
Apps Mills Nature Center Website
German Woollen Mill Ruins
Type: Woollen Mill
Location: Glen Morris, Grand River, Brant County
When Built: 1867
Current Use: Ruins
Access: Public Access
GPS Location: N: 43° 18.504' W: 80° 33.559'
Directions: From the Village of Glen Morris, go north on Highway 24 (Brantford Highway) for about 1 km. Watch for a pull off on the left hand side. You will find a trail there that leads down toward the river and the abandoned mill.
History: The mill was built by Alva and Sydney German in 1867. It eventually closed due to competition and was used for a while as a lodge. It was later converted to a private residence but this was sold when a local railroad cut off the access road. The old building is said to be haunted. This may be due to that drowning death of a young girl while it was a mill and the murder of a guest when it was a lodge. The link below has further information.
Photography Tips: There is a lot of foliage to make a photographer's life difficult. Look for a good view from near the mill race.
Nearby Attractions: The St. George Mill and Apps Mill are a short drive from here.
References:
Hamilton Paranormal- The Old German Woollen Mill
St. George Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: St George, Brant County
When Built: 1871
Current Use: Commercial businesses
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 43° 14.635' W: 80° 15.374'
Directions: Found at 41 Main St. South in St. George
History: Built around 1871, it operated as a gristmill for many years, and in its later years as a feed mill. It has been renovated for commercial use.
Photography Tips:
There is an elevated parking lot to the north of the mill which offers an excellent side view.
Nearby Attractions:
Apps Mill is about 15 minutes drive from here.
Bruce County
Arranvale Mill
Type: Gristmill (?)
Location: Invermay, Sauble River, Bruce County
When Built: Not known
Current Use: Abandoned
Access: Good exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 27.276' W: 81° 08.835'
Directions:
From County Rd. 17 in Invermay, take Mill Rd. south for 1 km. and you will see it by the bridge on your left.
History: There was a Gristmill built by Luke Gardner in this area in about 1868. The current building doesn't look that old but we have no other information on it.
Photography Tips:
Good views from the road and the bridge area.
Nearby Attractions:
Fisher Grist Mill is a short drive nearby.
Fisher Grist Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Paisley, Saugeen River, Bruce County
When Built: Not Known
Current Use: Commercial
Access: Exterior only
GPS Location: N: 44° 18.382' W: 81° 16.435'
Directions: Found at the corner of Mill Dr. and Queen St. S. in Paisley
History: This mill has been renovated as a commercial business. Its build date is not known
Photography Tips:
The best view is from the other side of the river.
Nearby Attractions:
Stark's Mill is nearby in Paisley, and the McLure's Mill, Scone Mill and Pinkerton Mill are also a short drive.
McCullough Mill
Type: Feed Mill
Location: Allenford, Sauble River, Bruce County
When Built: Not known
Current Use: Storage
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 32.113' W: 81° 10.655'
Directions: From the Town of Allenford turn south off County Rd 21 on Thomas St. and the mill is a short distance by the bridge.
History:
It was operated as a Feed Mill by the McCullough brothers until the late 1960s.
Photography Tips: There are good views from several spots but one of the best is from across the river by the bridge.
Nearby Attractions:
Arranvale Mill and Parkhead Mill are a short drive.
McClure's Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Chesley, North Saugeen River, Bruce County
When Built: 1881
Current Use: Warehouse
Access: Exterior views only
GPS Location: N: 44° 17.886' W: 81° 06.204'
Directions: From 1st Ave S/County Road 30 in the town of Chesley, take the 1st right onto 2 St SW, and go 700 m. to Thomas St. The mill is on this corner.
History:
Built as a gristmill by William Elliot in 1881. It presently is being used for storage.
Photography Tips:
There are great views from all sides. Look for some views with reflections of the building on the millpond at the back.
Nearby Attractions:
The Stark Mill is nearby in the town. The Scone Mill is also close.
Mildmay Chopping Mill
Type: Feed Mill
Location: Mildmay, Witter's Pond, Bruce County
When Built: Ca. 1900
Current Use: Unused
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 02.216' W: 81° 07.015'
Directions: From the Town of Mildmay, go north on Adam St off of County Rd 28. It is only a short distance.
History:
This mill operated to grind grain for cattle for many years. It is currently unused but the owner would like to renovate it.
Photography Tips:
There is a good wide view from the road.
Nearby Attractions:
The Fisher Grist Mill and Stark's Mill are nearby.
Parkhead Chopping Mill
Type: Feed Mill
Location: Parkhead, Water Source, Bruce County
GPS Location: N: 44° 35.732' W: 81° 09.829'
When Built: Not Known
Current Use: Abandoned
Access: Exterior Views
History:
We have little information on this mill. It was apparently operated as a chopping mill and water powered.
Getting There:
Take Park Head Rd., west from County Rd. 10 north of Alvanley for about 2.7 km.
Photography Tips:
There is a trail that goes from the bridge on the opposite side of the creek which supports excellent views. It is not posted but may be on private property.
Pinkerton Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Pinkerton, Teeswater River, Bruce County
When Built: 1928
Current Use: May produce hydro
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 12.813' W: 81° 16.144'
Directions: Found by the north side of County Rd. 15 in Pinkerton
History:
The first gristmill at this site was built in the 1850s by David Pinkerton but was destroyed in a fire and re-built in 1896. The second mill was also destroyed by fire in 1928 and re-built with the present mill which was operated as a feed mill until 1999. The mill may continue as a producer of hydro.
Photography Tips:
Wide views available as well as closer details.
Nearby Attractions: Stark's Mill, the Scone Mill and McLure's Mill are all nearby.
Scone Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Scone, North Saugeen River, Bruce County
When Built: 1856
Current Use: Abandoned
Access: Exterior views only
GPS Location: N: 44° 18.317' W: 81° 04.592'
Directions: Found on Bruce Road 10 just west of the Grey-Bruce Line Road in the village of Scone.
History:
Built in 1856 along the Rocky Saugeen River and operated as a gristmill. It was renovated to hold an art gallery and bicycle shop but suffered severe damage in a flood in 2010 and is currently abandoned.
Photography Tips:
The best view is from across the dam. The building is condemned and unsafe.
Nearby Attractions:
McLure's Mill, Stark's Mill and Pinkerton Mill are all nearby.
Stark's Mill (Paisley City Roller Mills)
Type: Gristmill
Location: Paisley, Saugeen River, Bruce County
When Built: 1885
Current Use: Commercial business
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 18.024' W: 81° 16.782'
Directions:
From Queen St S. (County Rd 3) in downtown Paisley, go west on Mill Dr. (County Rd 1) and you will find the mill on the right side after about 1 km.
History:
Built in 1885 by James Stark, it replaced an earlier mill that burned. It operated as a gristmill and feed mill until 1972. it currently houses a commercial business.
Photography Tips:
This is a gorgeous building with the red window frames against the blue-grey siding. There are good views from three sides but the long view from the west side is one of the best.
Nearby Attractions:
The McLure's Mill, Scone Mill and Pinkerton Mill are nearby.
Grey County
Ayton Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Ayton, South Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: 1864
Current Use: Private
Access: Exterior views only
GPS Location: N: 44° 03.156' W: 80° 55.678'
Directions:
Found on Arthur St. (County Rd. 3) off of County Rd 9 in Ayton.
History:
Built in 1864 by Thomas Robertson, the gristmill was water powered and it still produces power for the hydro grid. It is now a private residence.
Photography Tips:
There is a great view which includes the river in the foreground from the bridge.
Nearby Attractions:
The Neustadt Mill, as well as the Ferguson Gristmill and the Knechtel Feed Mill, are a short drive.
References:
Ferguson Gristmill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Durham, Rocky Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: 1857
Current Use: Private Residence
Access: Exterior views only
GPS Location: N: 44° 13.749' W: 80° 49.999'
Directions:
Go north from Durham on highway 6 till you cross the Rocky Saugeen River after 5.7 km, and you will see the mill on the left side.
History:
Built by Alex Ferguson in 1857 on the Rocky Saugeen River, and operated as a gristmill. It is a beautiful stone building that has been renovated as a private residence.
Photography Tips:
There is a gorgeous view from the bridge which shows the river in the foreground.
Nearby Attractions:
The Welbeck Sawmill, Traverston Mill, and Knechtel Feed Mill are all a short drive.
Flesherton Mill
Type: Woollen Mill
Location: Flesherton, Millpond, Grey County
When Built: 1931
Current Use: Private residence
Access: Poor exterior views only.
GPS Location: N: 44° 15.759' W: 80° 33.476'
Directions: Found on Harold Best Parkway off Grey Road 4 in Flesherton
History:
Probably built by William Flesher around 1931 to replace the original mill (Ca. 1865) that burned.
Photography Tips:
The present owner has trees growing around the building and there is no open shot available without permission.
Nearby Attractions:
The Holstein Mill and Orchardville Mill are nearby.
References:
Herb Miller Saw Mill
Type: Sawmill
Location: Rockford, Grey County
When Built: ca. 1920
Current Use: Exhibit
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N:44º 31.272' W:80º 56.484'
Directions: From Highway 6/10 at Rockford, just south of Owen Sound, take Grey Road 18 east about 2 km to #102599.
History:
A 78' X 40', timber framed, board sided, steel roofed building housing a circular saw mill typical of many simple, small scale operations found along township concession and side roads, circa 1920.Moved 2006 (From Website)
Photography Tips:
At present, there are just exterior views but they may be developing an interior exhibit.
Nearby Attractions:
Inglis Falls Mill Remains is just minutes away.
References:
Holstein Mill
Type: Feed Mill
Location: Holstein, Mill Pond from Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: 1918
Current Use: Feed Mill
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 03.701' W: 80° 45.529'
Directions: Found in the Village of Holstein beside Grey Rd 109
History:
The original mill on this site was built by W.T. Petre in 1876 and was water powered. This mill was destroyed by a fire in 1918 and the present mill replaced it.
Photography Tips: Not the most photogenic of buildings but there is an excellent view from the road.
Nearby Attractions:
Orchardville Mill and Flesherton Mill are a short drive.
Inglis Falls Grist Mill Ruins
Type: Gristmill
Location: Rockwood, Sydenham River, Grey County
When Built: 1862
Current Use: Ruins
Access: Easy access
GPS Location: N: 44° 31.583′ W: 80° 56.072′
Directions:
From Highway 6/10 just south of Owen Sound, go west on Grey Road 18 for 1.3 km. and turn right on Inglis Falls Rd. After 450 m. there is a right turn to Falls Road which will bring you shortly to the Falls.
History:
In 1845 Peter Inglis purchased a gristmill at this site and in 1862 he replaced it with a four storey that operated as a gristmill. The mill was in operation until it was destroyed by a fire in 1945. The only remains are the millers home and some artifacts. The area is presently the Inglis Falls Conservation Area.
Photography Tips:
While there are no ruins remaining to photograph, the whole area, especially the waterfall, will give you some great opportunities.
Nearby Attractions:
The Herb Sawyer Sawmill is just a short distance west on Grey Road 18.
References:
Knechtel Feed Mill
Type: Feed Mill
Location: Durham, Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: ca. 1900?
Current Use: Commercial
Access: Exterior views only
GPS Location: N: 44° 10.667' W: 80° 49.008'
Directions: Found at George St. East, one block north and east of Durham's only traffic light on Highway 6.
History:
We have little historical information available other than it is known to have operated as a feed mill for decades before being renovated for commercial use.
Photography Tips:
Found in a wide open setting by the Saugeen River, it offers a dam which can be worked into the foreground, as well as some nice floral elements at the side.
Nearby Attractions:
The Ferguson Gristmill is only a few kilometres north of Durham.
Neustadt Mill
Type: Grain mill
Location: Neustadt, Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: 1857
Current Use: Antique Store
Access: Exterior and interior with permission
GPS Location: N: 44° 04.521' W: 81° 00.179'
Directions: Found at 566 Mill St. in Neustadt
History: Built in 1857 and operated as a grain mill until 1990. Some charred beams in the interior are a remnant of a 1947 fire.
Photography Tips: Good long views from the parking lot or the dam behind. Also look for antique items on the porch.
Nearby Attractions:
Neustadt is also the birthplace of Canada's 13th Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, and the home can be seen. Ayton Mill is a short drive.
Orchardville Mill (Beatty Gristmill)
Type: Gristmill
Location: Orchardville, Mill Pond, Grey County
When Built: Ca. 1880
Current Use: Private Residence
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 03.975' W: 80° 47.546'
Directions: From Highway 6, south of Durham, take Orchardville Side road, just south of Side road 35, and park at the end. The mill is just up the road.
History:
Orchardville was a thriving community from 1865 until the end of that century. The mill was probably built around 1880. The settlement rapidly declined around the beginning of the 20th century but the mill has survived and been renovated as a private residence.
Photography Tips:
The property is private but their are good open views from the road.
Nearby Attractions: The Ferguson Gristmill and Holstein Mill are a short drive.
Thornbury Mill
Type: Mill Type
Location: Thornbury, Beaver River, Grey County
GPS Location: N: 44° 33.686' W: 80° 27.173'
When Built: Not Known
Current Use: Restaurant
Access: Exterior views
History: Perhaps built about 1880, it took advantage of the water power supplied by the Beaver River. It is currently a restaurant.
Getting There:
Located on the corner of Bruce St. S. and Bridge St. in Thornbury.
Photography Tips:
There are interesting views from the bridge which include the dam.
Nearby Attractions:
The Flesherton Mill is about 40 minutes drive although it is not easy to see and photograph.
Traverston Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Traverston, Rocky Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: 1870
Current Use: Private residence
Access: Exterior views only
GPS Location: N: 44° 16.463' W: 80° 44.514'
Directions: Found on Traverston Rd, between Concession Rd 8 and Grey Road 12 as you cross an iron bridge.
History: Built in 1870 and operated as a gristmill till 1955, the Traverston Mill has been renovated as a private residence.
Photography Tips:
There is a great view from the iron bridge which includes the river and gorge in the foreground.
Nearby Attractions:
The Ferguson Gristmill and Welbeck Sawmill are nearby.
Walters Falls Mill
Type: Sawmill
Location: Walters Falls, Walter's Creek, Grey County
When Built: 1890 (rebuilt after a fire in 1984)
Current Use: probably abandoned
Access: Exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 29.333′ W: 80° 42.7′
Directions: In the village of Walters Falls, go north on Front St., off of Victoria St. (Grey Road 29). At the end of the road is the Falls Inn and the mill is beside it.
History:
John Walter built the first sawmill here in 1851. This mill operated until 1890, when it was destroyed by fire and another mill built to replace it. I have seen this current mill described as a woollen mill and a gristmill, but most sources say it is a sawmill.
Photography Tips:
There are excellent views on all sides. The back in particular is impressive.
Nearby Attractions:
The Mill at Inglis Falls is about a 40 minute drive.
Type: Sawmill
Location: Welbeck, Mill pond, Grey County
When Built: 1984
Current Use: Exhibit and retail outlet
Access: Good interior and exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 16.525' W: 80° 53.540'
Directions:
From Highway 6 north of Durham, go east on Welbeck Rd. for about 3.2 km and you will see the mill on the south side.
History:
The present building is a modern replacement for a mill lost to a fire in 1966. It was completed in 1984.
Photography Tips:
A great place for photographers, offering both interior and exterior views as well as interesting artefacts. The red waterwheel is only for show but offers a bonus element.
Nearby Attractions: The Williamsford Mill, Traverston Mill and Ferguson Gristmill are all nearby.
Type: Gristmill
Location: Williamsford, North Saugeen River, Grey County
When Built: 1858
Current Use: Restaurant and bookstore
Access: Good exterior views
GPS Location: N: 44° 22.666' W: 80° 52.285'
Directions: Found on Highway 6 in Williamsford
History:
The mill was built by Adam Elliot in 1858 and operated as a gristmill and later as a feed mill. It ceased milling operations in the early 1970s although it continues to produce hydro power.
At one point this power was used for a marijuana grow operation but it has since been converted to a bookstore and restaurant.
Photography Tips:
Good exterior views from all sides but particularly the back which includes the mill pond and millrace.
Nearby Attractions:
The Welbeck Sawmill is nearby.
Haldiman County
Caledonia Mill
Type: Mill Type
Location: Caledonia, Grand River, Haldiman County
When Built: 1853
Current Use: Heritage designated, no present use
Access: Exterior only
GPS Location: N: 43° 04.294' W: 79° 57.462'
Directions:
Located at 146 Forfar St. West in the town of Caledonia.
History: Built about 1853 by James Little and called Little Mills at that time. At various times it has been called the Balmoral Mill and the Grand River Mill. The Shirra Mill which was on the other side of the river, was operated by the same owners from 1929 to 1966. The Shirra Mill burnt to the ground in 1969.
The mill is currently owned by the Caledonia Old Mill Corp., a non-profit organization.
Photography Tips:
There are interesting shots available from across the river, you will need a longer lens. I used a 70-200mm.
Nearby Attractions:
Apps Mill is about 40 minutes drive
References:
Quance Mill
Type: Gristmill
Location: Delhi, Big Creek, Haldiman County
When Built: 1913
Current Use: Exhibit
Access: Exterior views and interior with permission
GPS Location: N: 42° 51.322' W: 80° 31.69'
Directions: Found at 200 Talbot St. in Delhi
History: Built in 1913, it operated as a gristmill until 1970. There were plans for its demolition in 2006 but a local service group adopted and renovated it.
Photography Tips: