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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1972-05-25, Page 11Thursday, May 25, 1972 .107 Year - No,, 21 morminlimmormin=1.0110..0•01 Seroad Set;tiou Clin ton, itcrio This narrow bridge at Benmiller will soon be made safer as the County of Huron gets underway with its "summer works program"; the woollen mill over which all the current controversy rages lies to the right of the bridge.—staff photo Here is Benmiller of the past, nestled in Colborne Township on the Maitland River, The bridge can be seen as it was before reconstruction. On the far left can be seen the Pfrimmer grist mill, now due for some changes — no one knows exactly what. Across the road from the mill is the site of the former Benmiller Hotel. This photo was supplied by W.E. Elliott. —staff photo Tourist development at Benmiller brings controversy FALLS RESERVE girfrrr CON S ERVATION AREA OPENED JUNE 10:1 976 HONORABLE G. A. k. ERR, IN STEP DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT . • This is the third season for Falls Reserve Park at Benmiller, It has camping grounds and picnic areas now and more changes are planned. The river serves as a peaceful and beautiful completion to the area. Some Benmiller residents are opposed to the Park because they are afraid it might disrupt their peaceful vi I lage,—,staff photo Those who enjoy fishing at these lovely falls will soon have to share this part of the Maitland River with sun worshippers if the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority gets its plan into action. Authroity members are considering the possibility of making it into a swimming and boating area. To do so may necessitate a change in the scenic view of the falls, lessening the picturesque quality of the present falls.—staff photo BY LYNQA MacG11.4.1VARY Benmiller in Colborne township is one of the prettiest places on earth, With a population of just 50 citizens, one wouldn't expect to find much happening— but this quiet little community nestled by the Maitland River has both a history and future of much controversy. Benmiller has two mills. that are presently being rebuilt and there is some question as to exactly for what purpose. It is the woollen mill, not the grist mill, over which all the controversy is raging, Verne Gledhill, a retired resident of the village, says the woollen mill's owner, Peter Ivey, London, is building a workshop for artists and craftsmen in the old mill, But General Store owner Naida McClinchey says she has heard otherwise. She understands it to be a private club that will eventually evolve. Construction on the new building was started about one month ago, and now the foundation for what appears to be a spiral staircase is being poured. Mrs. McClinchey has,also heard that a dining room is being planned for building in back of the structure. In any case, both Mrs. McClinchey and Mr, Gledhill feel the owner is building for Benmiller's good, "From talking to Mr. Ivey, lie doesn't hope to hurt Benmiller, but improve it," related Mrs. McClinchey, —Peter Ivey's a fine gentleman," believes Mr. Gledhill. "He cares about Benmiller," The township of Colborne, in which Benmiller is situated, is -dry". A liquor vote was requested by the Machinists' Union in 1971, but the bid was defeated. The next date it can he voted on again is 1973. Still, Ivey wouldn't have to worry about obtaining a license if the club is a private one. Nobody seems to have any idea what Mr. Ivey is planning at the grist mill. A parking lot for about 20 cars has been built adjacent to the grist mill but it is the former woollen mill, according to Mrs. McClinchey, which "Is supposed to be open a year from June." NEW BRIDGE Benmiller is also getting another new bridge. Huron County Engineer Jim Britnell says the construction of a new bridge in front of the old wobllen mill will be the "summer works program" for his crew. Work on the project is already underway, and will complement the new bridge built last year at Benmiller by Huron's road gang. Some residents are in favour of such a project, while others are greatly opposed, Mrs. ,McClinchey likes the idea. She feels it will improve business, "We're hoping that they pave from the highway into here," she says. Since sheand her husband took over the store a year ago, business has improved. And this summer the couple Will operate the concession booth at the park, During the construction period, tourism might decline. But once completed, American tourists in the area could reach an all time high. Verne Gledhill isn't in favour of the project, but he takes the attitude, "You can't stop progress. Things change." He says the new bridge built last Summer by Huron County was a controversial issue. It was intended to run across the river further west but plans were changed, partially because of public pressure. Referring to the • new bridge, he says, "If the department says it is going through, there's nothing you can do about it." SWIMMING AREA FOR CONSERVATION PARK With the proposed plans for a safe swimming and boating area underway by Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, the park near Benmiller has a potential for many summer invaders. Mrs. McClinchey of the gdneral store has already noted the arrival of at least eight trailers into the area. She commented, "My first summer here I was really surprised at the Americans going through." There are quite a few summer cottages situated in the district. If the proposed swimming area in Maitland River does become a reality, there will be many a happy sun worshipper enjoying it on those hot summer days that are soon to come. Mr. Gledhill feels the Conservation Area is the "worst thing that ever happened to the village." He says that while most people are thoughtful and careful, there is always that "rowdy element" with no concern for public or private property. Gledhill isn't too impressed with all the discussion about attracting tourists to the area. "Tourists aren't anything new in Benmiller," he laughed, "I can remember when you couldn't get near the woollen mill in the summer for cars," Presently outdoorsmen are utilizing the proposed swimming area for fishing, bringing their fishing reels and bait to the river, hopefully trying their hand at that well-known outdoor sport, 13ENMILL.ER PAST Verne Gledhill has lived at Bertmiller all his life. He says the village hasn't really changed much until recently, lie remembers Jonathan Miller, nephew of Ben Miller, for whom the village is named. Ben Miller was an Englishman Who came to Canada and founded the settlement in 1848. He worked as the grist mill keeper. Jonathon Miller is believed. to have ,beon the largest man in Huron County at one time, standing six feet tall and weighing 486 pounds. But for a man of his size he moved about with an easy grace that was remarkable. He was born in the township in which he died. It is said that when he died it took ten men to carry his casket, with part of the wall removed to get the body through. I3enmiller once was a thriving little community, with the Benmiller hotel-tavern across the road from the grist mill, And there was the woollen mill as well as several "shops", . Verne Gledhill's family built the woollen mill in 1877, where Benmiller 'blankets were made. The mill remained in operation until 1964. Now all that remains of Benmiller is the general store and a welding shop which sit across from each other. But there's still the charming little waterfall with its roar that is the heartbeat of Benmiller. Here is a serene viewof Maitland River through one of the Park's budding trees On the other side can be seen cottages, Every year rn ore t our ists build cottages in order to enjoy peaceful summers in the area.—staff photo i3enmi I ler's General Store sitS across the street from the welding shop, the only remaining business in the area. It is a typical general store. One can buy hunting Caps and jackets in it, along with a variety of grocieries Mr. and Mrs. E. McClinchey own the charming little store',