Canadian Chapter
By Maryanne Szuck, President

The agenda for the Fall Millers’ Day has been set and a final report will appear in a subsequent issue of Old Mill News because the actual event will take place after this issue is sent to the printer. However, the meeting set for September 8, 2007, includes a visit to the Austin Saw Mill; a walking tour of
historical of Kinmount; our annual meeting and election of officers; and a visit to Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon where we learn about the early logging industry.
As further enticement, Millstone News for July 2007 carried an article about the Austin Sawmill written by Diane Austin. John Hughes, a logger, built the first Kinmount Sawmill in 1859. Often called the “founder of Kinmount”, Hughes also built a grist mill, hotel, and stables. In 1881, William Craig and
John Austin purchased the Hughes sawmill and later moved it across the river to its present location. The water-powered mill required 12,000 logs or more for one season of work. In 1909, Austin bought out Craig’s share in the company and the mill has been known as the Austin Sawmill ever since. The
mill produced lumber until 1975 when it closed for economic reasons. After sitting idle for 18 years, the Austin Sawmill inspired a group of citizens to initiate The Austin Sawmill Heritage Park Project in 1993. After a generous donation of the mill site by the Austin family and funding provided by
numerous government and corporate sponsors, the group restored the old Kinmount Railroad station, created the nearby park, and moved on to the restoration of the sawmill.
Did you know that CanSPOOM Brochures are available? Be
sure to get a supply to use when you are milling around.