The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Driving over the Credit River that lazily winds its way under three bridges in Glen Williams, it's hard to imagine that this gentle waterway once hydro-powered three industrial mills which established the village in the 19th century. One of those mills is still a local landmark at the north end of Main Street. The Beaumont Knitting Mill "knitted underwear yarns and a high grade of ladies and gentlemen's worsted and cashmere hosiery," (The Toronto Daily Mail, 1893,) and exported worldwide into the 20th century. On the north side of the building, facing Main Street, a heritage plaque reads, "Joseph Tweedle (as in Tweedle Street) ran a saw mill on this site in the 1860s. The present building (is) c. 1872, was built by Richard Hurst and purchased in 1878 by Samuel Beaumont." The large limestone building, with mansard roof and dormer windows, is now Beaumont Mill Antiques and Collectibles where, for the past six years, Peter Arsenault and his 35 vendors have made the historic building a favourite haunt for many locals and out-of-town guests. Customers, who have also become friends with the market's charismatic manager, come to shop for a gift, add to their collection, or simply to chat with Arsenault, who rarely lets customers go without a smile. Retired teachers, Sue Spencer, of Eden Mills, and her sister, Nancy Weinman, Brampton, found the antique market when they decided to meet in the Glen for a picnic by the river. Like many visitors, they were surprised at the size of the market, once they were inside the building. "This place is amazing," said a delighted Spencer. "Our mother died five years ago, and today I've seen so many things that remind me of her and of our grandmother- crocks, dishes, furniture- and the colours of things!" she says, spreading her hands in the air. "Sixties jewelry, paintings; things that remind me so much of growing up." These are familiar and welcome expressions for Arsenault. "It all boils down to memories and people," he says. Looking through the many rooms, nooks and hallways of 'the mill,' beyond the dazzling array of unique collectibles, other remnants of the past remain in the rubble limestone Continued on page 16 Looking through the many rooms, nooks and hallways of 'the mill,' beyond the dazzling arr SUMMER · 2012 14 S i d e r o a d s o f halton hills