Shawville Walking Tour

Probably the most important structure in pioneer Canada, the grist mill often appeared in settlements before the churches. The mill was essential to the survival of a young community, for here grain became a usable commodity.  Not only did the mill provide an essential service, but it brought together people from outlying districts. News and gossip were readily exchanged. The mill and the adjacent mill pond were social places where people gathered to chat, swim, fish, and picnic.

On this site in 1858 a grist and sawmill was built by James Hodgins. It competed with mills in Bristol, Radford, and at the front of Clarendon. For forty years this mill served Shawville until a fall night in 1896 when it burned to the ground. The development of steam, then electrical power meant that mills no longer had to be located near running water. No mill was rebuilt on this site. The dam that once created a wide pond on this site, eventually gave way, leaving nothing but quiet brook flowing past the ruins that can be seen in the south west corner of the park. Thanks to the park however, this area remains a social gathering place for area residents on warm summer afternoons and evenings.  How little things really change.