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A.J. Casson loved old mills Famous “Group of Seven” artist visited Port Perry and sketched mill in 1926 If ever there was an argument for saving the controversial old grain elevator - the fact that one of Canada’s famous “Group of Seven” artists found it compelling enough to sketch, should be a good argument as to the importance of saving this 135 year old structure - a Port Perry landmark. The sketch of the mill, done by A.J. Casson while visiting Port Perry in 1926, was discovered last month by Barbara Karthein who was attending a function in Toronto. While we've Village Mill | MARCH FOCUS.32.indd 7 been asked not to reveal the exact location, it was just one of dozens of priceless paintings and prints hang- ing at the same location and could quite easily have been missed. But Barbara immediately recognized the sketch as being Port Perry’s old grain elevator and after inquiring, the owners agreed to pro- vide the picture of the sketch (top) of the famous artist’s work of art. It's described as being a7 3/4” x 10 1/2” pencil and charcoal drawing, dated 1926. While researching for informa- tion about the origins of the Port Perry sketch, it was interesting to discover that A.J. Casson appears Photo of the Port Perry elevator taken in 2006, is very similar to A.J. Casson’s sketch. to have had a great interest in old mills, having painted at least three small community mills, and pos- sibly more during his career. AJ. Casson painted beautiful colourful mills in Elora, Washago and other towns during his career. It’s unfortunate, he never added colour to his Port Perry sketch - but perhaps he never intended to. Just why he was in town in 1926 isa mystery, but the fact he stood along Water St. and immortalized the shapes and beauty he saw in the building will forever remain in his drawing. Hopefully, this landmark Port Perry building will also endure. FOCUS - MARCH 2012 7 42-02-20 10:39 AM