From Years Past

In an earlier post in January, I mentioned a book called Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Ontario.  I was introduced to this book by blogger Rebel Girl, and it’s now the source of many items added onto my New Things List.

One of those places is Tyrone Mills, which was featured by Rebel Girl and Rebel Guy in a series of posts in November 2017.  A few weeks ago I finally got to visit this historical place for myself.

Tyrone Mills is reported to be the last commercially-operated water-powered mill in the province.  It not only continues to grind its own grains, but the upper level contains a wood-working shop with a system of water-powered pulleys.

No one has ever accused me of being even a little mechanically minded, but I was fascinated by those massive pulleys ribboned around the upper level – which brings me to my first door with its massive pulley outside on the lower level.

Every historical building I’ve ever visited has been largely renovated to a “modern” standard.  This 1846 building is an exception.

Although the mill attracts a lot of visitors, this is not a gentrified tourist attraction. It’s still pretty much how I imagine it looked 170 years ago – including the gaps in the walls, around the windows and doors with sunlight creeping in.

It meant that it was very cold inside on this winter day.  I could tell that my travelling companion – a city girl with a strong attachment to modern conveniences – was not impressed.

My regret was not being able to see the actual water mill itself.  Being winter and very icy that day, the mill at water level was not viewable.

Perhaps that gives me an excuse to take another drive in the country on a warm day when they are baking their specialty doughnuts.

Thursday Doors is a weekly photo feature hosted by Norm Frampton at Norm 2.0.