WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977, PA( Brian Winter's H istorical w Whi1tby BROOKLIN MILLS Grist mills were the major industry of Brooklin in the 19th century, for the community was a focal point for the grain trades of farms for miles around. Besides the brick mill, which stands today, there were three other large grist mills at Brooklin. John and Robert Campbell and David Way built a nil for J. B. Bickell on Way Street, which operated from the 1850s until it burned some time before the turn of the century. A large sign on the side of the mill said: "J. B. Bickell - Cash for Wheat", and the building and house adjoining it were pictured in the Ontario County historical atlas of 1877. The house is still in use today. South of Brooklin, on what was known as Bickell's Creek were the Kent Mills, owned by Peter Francis. Mr. Francis exhibited two barrels of his oatmeal at the first Paris exhibition in .1855 and won first prize. Ross Johnston, the salesman for the Whitby Chronicle, gives this description of the mills in 1884: "I also visited the "Kent Mills", situated down the creek to the south of the village, owned by Mr. James Francis and run by his brother Peter, whom we all know so well.. ""he mill is a three storey frame building, water power, old process, with three run, of stones. It has a brick drying kiln and makes oatmeal mainly. "In this, however, the mill has an enviable noteriety, and carried off a medal and diploma at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphi- (in 1876). "In addition to supplying local markets a considerable quantity of oatmeal is shipped to Montreal and Glasgow. A large amount of chopping is also done here. "About 100 bushels a day is regularly run off, Mr. Francis also keeps for sale the Lindsay new process family flour, said to be an article in much demand". Another mill of considerable importance was operated by Henry Bickle, a mile and a half east of Brooklin on the 6th concession. The following is a description of the mill in 1885, a few years before it was destroyed by fire: "Our readers will be pleased to learn that the Bickle mil] just east of Brooklin has been thoroughly overhauled and an entirely new set of machinery placed in it, of the newest style for the celebrated Roller process and they will now be able to procure the best grade of flour -that is manufactured. "The new firm of Bickle & Co. have expended $6,000 on improvements and the. mill will be in full run on the first day of July. They intend to do a home trade. "The machinery was supplied by Messrs. N. & J. G. Grey of Toronto.and put in under the superintendence of Mr. E. P. Cave of Thistletown Ont. The mill will be run to its full capacity, seventy five barrels per day, under the management of Henry Bickle, one of the best known millers in the county. . "The mill is one of the best equipped mills in Ontario and will afford a splendid wheat market for the neighbour- hood. Special attention will be given to the home trade and gristing for farmers. "The mill is four stories high, of the best material. The improvements comprise on the ground floor of a smut machine, two packing machines, five scalping reels, and the driving gear of the mill. "On the second floor, one of the run stones, ten pair of rollers and one smutter. On the third floor, four reels bolting chest, two purifiers and a separator. On the fourth floor flat, a four reel bolting chest, bran duster, centrifugal machine and a dust catcher". I Corridor Capers Well, the Leafs blew it on Sunday.night. From now on 1 think I will give up one of my favourite pasttimes. Maybe if 1 don't watch home games the Leafs will emerge winners. IlI th Oshawa Cubs and Scouts - The il1 th Oshawa Cubs, recently reorganizecl are thriv- ing. The I th Oshawa Scouts are still in need of leaders. The Cubs with new leaders and a mixture of experienced assistant leaders have now assembled a vibrant group of enthusiastic boys. Much credit gues to the leaders for their determination to provide young boys the opportunity for cub training. I I th Oshawa has always been one of the most successful group in the community. One of the reason for the success of past groups was Glen Shortt. Glen and Scouting just seen to go to-gether. The community is very fortunate indeed to have Glen back with the Il th Oshawa. His wealth of scouting experience and his unrelenting patience with children help provide the necessary equip- ment needed to rekindle the1I lth Oshawa cub group. Glen's imagination for interesting events to entertain and educate the boys has, in the past, sparked the co-operation of parents. Without the parents' help, many projects would have to be abandoned. The boys and their leaders will be enjoying cub camp this week-end at Camp Samac. The I lth Oshawa Father and Son Banquet has been planned for April 30th at 5:30 in the Council Hall at Camp Samac. Good Luck 11 th Oshawa Cubs. 18th Oshawa Guides and Brownies - The 18th Oshawa Guides and' Brownies will hold their Mother and Daughter Banquet on Wednesday April 27th at 5:45 sharp, at the Guide louse. Mothers are asked to bring their favourite hot dish and a desert. Westminster United Church Tuesday April 26th - Westminster Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m. May Ist - Bible.Society Rally at the Ontario Ladies College, 8 p.m. Speaker: the Rev. Ted Stephens. May 3rd - Westminster "lousing" Committee, 8:00 p.m. Corridor Ratepayers Association The next executive meeting will be at the home of P. Dooley, 157 lazelwood on Thursday April 28th, at 7:30. The Month of M. y will be membership month for the Corridor Area. A membership drive will bc conducted. More details later. We wish to express our sympathy to the family of Bill Pilkington. lis passing will leave a void in all our lives. We welcome Joanne Ellison to the Kendalwood area. We hope Joanne will enjoy the community as much as we will enjoy having ber with us. Best of luck in the future Joanne and Don. Thats it for this week. Call 725-8967 with news items for the column. M. McEachern, 725-8967. SHINGLES 210 lb. Self Seal $1895 sq. ORDER NOW Price increase approximately 10% May 2 MITCHELL BROTHERS Building Supplies Ltd. Brooklin, 655-4991 The Town of Whitby has requested the Region of Durhan to immediately implement a study to examine alternative methods of finan- cing sewer and water costs. The request asks that the study include the alternative proposed by Ajax and that if a satisfactory alternative is to be considered by regional council, it be circulated to the area municipalities for their comments. Councillor Tom Edwards, who put forth the motion, advised that the regional council should examine the method of establishing sewer and water rates and suggested that the method that was in I effect prior to the region taking over the costs of sewer and water in 1976 should be examined. He also suggested that consideration be given to the region wholesaling water to the member municipalities and that on this basis, the council of the Town of Whitby would have input into the establishment of rates. Councillor Joe Drumm refered to the high. cost of the region providing sewer and water , facilities and expressed concern that the region is not obtaining enough assessment to warrent these expenditures and pay the interest on debentures. LA CONTESSA BEAUTY LOUNGE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that Mr. Geoffrey formerly of Scavs Beauty Salon has joined our staff MR. GEOFFREY styles hair with elegant ease. He has the latest training in all areas of cut-styling & perming. 11.9 Green St. 668-9262 J. B. BICKELL'S MILL ON WAY STREET, 1877 Town asks the region to study sewer costs A i MORGAGES lst & 2nd Arranged, Bought anwd Sold at Prime Rotes col Peter Kade 668-1556 ANUBIS INVESTMENTS Ltd. 101 Mary St W. WHITDY