The Citizen, 1995-05-31, Page 28/ •
,re" \S\\e'
k\e,14 °„ Enjoy a
Gel\e‘'s Quality
Rest at
WINGHAM
LINDON MOTEL
1 km. South of Hwy. 86
on Hwy. #4
519-357-1342
Fax: 519-357-4737
Curly Q
This Jacob is just one of the 14
breeds of sheep involved in the
educational program at Lismore
Sheep Farm.
•
Pagel
Community to restore historic, picturesque Gorrie Mill
The way it was?
Still picturesquely pretty when you're
Gorrie Mill may soon be restored to
local residents have anything to say
museum of the mill from its heyday.
By Bonnie Gropp
Explore the past and imagine the future.
This was the invitation extended to the
public last April regarding a tour of the old
grist mill in Gorrie. The objective was to
discover whether or not there was enough
interest in the abandoned structure to restore
not too close to see the wrinkles, the
its former glory if a group of spirited
about it. The plan is to have a living
it to its former glory and revitalize it as a
museum.
The Gorrie mill was built in 1856 by the
Leech brothers, who arrived during the
winter of 1855. The mill was remodeled
into a three storey building in 1867. It ran
six days a week and at one time was capable
of dressing and packing 150 barrels of flour
per day. The mill is unusual in that it was
one of the few flour mills, as opposed to
grist mills in the area.
In 1962, the Gorrie Community Club,
began negotiations with the owner to
purchase the site and later that year the
Maitland Valley Conser4zation Authority, in
co-operation with the club, bought the
property.
Since then, the mill has stood virtually
untouched. Much of the machinery remains,
put it is not operational.
The plan for the mill is to bring it back to
the way it was in the 1800s, restoring the
equipment and machinery to fit the time
frame. Also, Linda Henhoeffer, one of the
local residents spearheading the project, says
as part of the museum aspect, there is room
for historical displays. "On the site of the
Gorrie park there was once a cooper .shop,
which manufactured the oak barrels used for
the flour. It's a whole area we could feature."
Henhoeffer says the turnout to the
Saturday open house this spring, was
phenomenal. "From babes in arms to young
families to seniors, from as far away as
Kitchener, there were about 300 people in
attendance. There were some moments when
you couldn't move it was so crowded. It was
really fantastic."
A donation jar, containing mostly $2
bills, as well as a few $5 and $10 donations
collected a total of $125 by morning's end.
"We felt from that there were a lot of people
who felt the idea was worth supporting."
The local MPP, who voiced his support
for the project, calling it a 'diamond in the
rough', made a surprise appearance. "Like a
lot of the people who showed up, I don't
know how he heard about the open house,
but we were very glad he came to see the
mill."
After that successful turnout, on April 25
organizers held a public meeting which was
attended by about 50 local residents who all
showed support for the restoration. "The
idea was to have local input, from which we
would get several ideas," Henhoeffer said.
One of the concepts was to tie in a farmer's
market and market co-op to enhance the
museum.
Though there is still a good deal of work
ahead, including the formation of formal
Continued on page 6
Sheep show features 14 breeds
Continued from page 3
Meg, the border collie, puts on a display of
flock herding.
Other activities will include feeding pet
lambs, observing a rarely-seen animal in
North America, a Highland cow and her calf,
enjoying the unique sheep crafts and gift
items and relaxing with light refreshments.
There will also be information about wool
processing and the feed types for different
stages in the animals' life.
Group bookings are welcome as the indoor
arena seats 50 to 60, and weekday shows can
arrangement.
Entrance fees are $6 for adults, $5 for
seniors, $4 for children 12 and under and $3
for school children. Group rates are
available.
To be entertained while learning about the
sheep industry, call Lismore Sheep Farm to"
book a presentation at 519-335-3374.
Our restored 150 year old stone house surrounds
you with fine home accessories, porcelain lamps,
prints, antiques, silk flowers, vases &
cache pots to flatter the home.
Delightfully different and imaginative. All designer selected to accent
and complement your home. Affordably elegant.
Fine Decorative Accessories & Gifts for the Home
Join us at R.R. #2, Lucknow, 2nd cone.
South of Lucknow, East of Belfast of County Rd. ttl
OPEN: WED. to SUN. 10-5 (519) 528-2022
The small town friendliness of
Something for everyone —
our village will surprise and
From country tones
delight you. to Victorian flare.
Monday - Thursday - 9:30 - 5:30
Friday - 9:30 - 9:00
Saturday - 9:30 - 5:30
Sunday - 11:00 - 4:00
594 Campbell Street
LUCKNOW (519) 528-2649 )110-1"
A GIFT SHOP
WITH A
PERSONAL TOUCH
3 Wooden Timeless Treasures
3 Magazines
3 Goodies by Two-Shoes
3 Noah's Ark Collectibles from
the Millpond
3 Miniatures
3 Country Home Candles
3 Katz-n-Jammer Kidz
3 Old English Smocking
3 Spongeware & Fiesta Ware
3 Lang Graphics, cards,
calendars
3 Sugar-n-Spice Chocolates
3 Stick It in your Ear, Artifacts,
Sterling Silver Jewellery