The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1994-06-29, Page 45Page 17 — Stops StCong ‘The Way '94 — Old mill recalls era in Bluevale past By Janice Becker Hidden behind a layer of sheet metal lies a piece of Morris Township and Bluevale history. The saw mill was built in the early 1870s by Joseph Leech, with its large wheel turned by the waters of the Maitland River. Though needed as a source of power, the river often caused havoc for the business man. In 1883, storm waters swept down the Maitland, taking the mill dam and several thousand dollars worth of logs with it. The waters rose 12 feet that day and even the assistance of many volunteers who came to try and save the wood and earthen structure could not stem the flow. Eventually the river broke over the dam, taking with it everything in its path. Again in 1912, flood waters took shingles and lumber stockpiled, but left the mill standing. In the early days of saw mills, raging rivers were not the only hazard to the business. Four times between 1883 until 1908, the mill was completely or partially destroyed by fire. The first fire came just 10 months after the devastating flood which caused $9,000 damage. The fire destroyed the saw mill and shingle factory as volunteers worked hard to save the grist mill, bridge and new dam. Twice in 1893, the mill was levelled. The first event was suspected to be arson. Mr. Leech then sold the mill to Duff and Stewart, but they too were soon struck by fire. The mill was destroyed, but several other buildings were saved by a bucket brigade. The loss was $1,200. Fifteen years later, fire again ravaged the industry, destroying the planing mill. Within a few years, the availability of lumber waned in the area and the mill was removed from the property. Today, there stands but a remnant of what used to be. The structure is hidden beneath modem coverings and the wheel has long since gone, but if one thinks back, a vision of water rushing through the dam gates and the buzz of the saws can still be heard along the Maitland river in Bluevale. Sunglasses Baby Needs First Aid Supplies Store has full line of accessories Continued from page 16 Hallmark Cards leather Looking back There’s not much happening in the way of lively activity at the Bluevale Mill, but this monument to the past is the perfect stop on a drive just to enjoy the quiet and reflect on its history. BLYTH APOTHECARY ‘Ls tab [is fed 1992 Your Village Pharmacy - Full Prescription Services Kodak Films & Film Processing A century old Now run by the fourth generation of the family who originated it, Bainton's Old Mill in Blyth is marking its centenary this year. leather, tanned in Bly th, they want to use in the garments they'll sell that year. While much of the clothing sold comes from local leathers, skins vary all over the world and some are more suitable for certain fashion needs. Leather from the Middle East, Spain or England each has its own character. France and Italian tanneries are known for their high fashion and quality leathers. Because they buy in such large quantities the two Blyth mills can have more control over styling and detailing than smaller buyers. "A lot of manufacturers ask mom for advice," says Amanda. In their efforts to help customers come up with a whole, integrated look, the family has also stocked a whole line of accessories from purses to boots and scarves. While leather is the part of the business that leaps first to the minds of those who know about the two mills, wool is also a specialty that goes back 100 years. Having two specialities helps the store go with changes in fashion. If leather drops in popularity then wool may gain and vice versa. Both arc natural products which do much less damage to the environment than synthetics. Both, with minimal care, will last for years. The two factory outlet stores in Blyth each have their own niche in the market. Baintons provides what Glenyce Snell calls "bread and butter" designs for the less adventurous while The Old Mill tries to be a fashion leader. Baintons used far more domestic leather with fewer style choices but a wide variety of sizes. That variety keeps people driving to Blyth to browse through the two huge stores. Some may just buy a sheep skin rug; others come for a complete look. Some ladies like to come and spend the whole day," says Amanda. So much for those skeptics who said people wouldn't drive out to Blyth for their shopping. And if skeptics are surprised, just think how shocked the widow Bainton and her three children would be if they could see what they started when they moved to Bly th 100 years ago this year. Antihistamines 140 Queen St. Sun Screens & W Sun Tan Lotions NATUKU1J Bath & Beauty Products & much more BLYTH 523 4210 Discoveries 181 Victoria Street, Goderich, Ontario, (519)524-2686 Goderich Harbour, Goderich, Ontario (519)524-2686 Heritage County Museum Historic Gaol Marine Museum Summer (May - September) MONDAY TO SATURDAY: 10 AM TO 4:30 PM SUNDAY: 1 PM TO 4:30 PM April 1 st to November 30th MONDAY TO SATURDAY: 10 AM TO 4:30 PM SUNDAY: 1 PM TO 4:30 PM Huron County J 110 North Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 2T8, (519)524-2686 Spring, Fall & Winter MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10 AM TO 4:30 PM SUNDAY: 1 PM TO 4:30 PM SATURDAY: CLOSED December 1 st to March 31 st ClDSED July and August DAILY: