Historical reflections
After it was discovered that the Maitland River was a source of not only water but power, many communities grew in the watershed. More land was cleared and agriculture became the way of life. The River was a source of transportation so that crops could get to the mills, to storage or to market. The stories here speak of the innovations that developed from the need. Cattle meant an abattoir, the cow’s milk meant cheese. Horses used to clear felled trees meant a blacksmith. Commerce developed.
With the Logan’s Mill now only used for storage this Logan’s Mill project will help many to remember the hard working and enterprising character of the early settlers. Support us at CanadaHelps.org.
Logan’s Mill now Used for Storage
The Gorrie Mill – Howick Township
The dam and flour mill still exist in the village of Gorrie and are easily accessible. The first dam and grist mill at Gorrie were built in 1856 by the Leech Brothers on land purchased from George and Robert Greer. The original mill was situated on Lot 172 shown on the plan of the Village of Howick dated May 15, 1856 by provincial land surveyor Wm. Rath. The plan also shows the sawmill located right at the dam which would indicate that logs for the sawmill were delivered to the site by water. This area was forested with maple, Eastern hemlock, pine, tamarack, cedar, and elm.
In 1867, the Leech Brothers reconstructed the mill now known as the Maitland Mill. This was the only flour mill in the area at the time and its twin water turbines were powered by the Maitland River. The reconstructed dam provided for a head of 2.1 metres (7 feet) with a drainage area of 352 square kilometres (135 square miles). The mill measured 17 metres by 11 metres (56 feet by 36 feet) and had four run of stone grinding 150 barrels of flour per day. The mill ceased operation in 1962.
This dam, complete with concrete structure, stoplog controls, earthworks, large headpond and headrace with controls, debris screen, two water turbines, flour mill, and tailrace still exists and all appear in good condition. A volunteer group raised funds to keep the mill from falling into a state if disrepair but was disbanded in 2006. Siding was repaired in 2008. The mill’s fate remains a source of concern.
The area, along with the adjacent public park, is owned and maintained by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority.
Many locals remember the last miller, Benjamin Maguire, who owned the mill from 1922 to 1961. He was an infamous bachelor who always had candy and pennies for the village children and entertained friends in his heated office. He often played pool with his cronies leaving Tom Short, his only employee, to run the mill business.
The volunteers cleaned the mill building and the turbine bay. Repairs were made to the south foundation wall. All thirty-two windows were replaced with financial assistance from the Canadian Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. As well, the volunteers held many fundraisers with their annual Polar Bear Dip causing the biggest splash!