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President’s Message
Welcome to the March, 2019 edition of the Georgina Historical Society newsletter. The February 19 General Meeting was very well attended; a slide show of postcards from “Olde Georgina” entertained all who attended. There were lots of comments and memories as members remembered times past pictured on the cards. We are still in need of some postcards from some of the smaller villages and hamlets such as; Baldwin, Belhaven, Port Bolster, Udora and Brownhill. Please have a look in your “archives” and help us complete our project”. At our next General Meeting on Tuesday, March 19 Sarah Harrison will be speaking on the interesting history of wall paper. See you there!
We have booked a booth at the Georgina Home Show on May 4th & 5th to promote awareness of the Georgina Historical Society and Georgina’s history. If you could donate a couple hours of your time on that week end to help man the booth, it would be greatly appreciated. You will have an enjoyable time meeting old and new residents of Georgina interested in the history of the town.
Just a reminder, if you have not already renewed your membership in the Georgina Historical Society for 2019, please do. We need your continued support to preserve. protect and promote the rich history of Georgina. Spring is on its way!
~ Tom Glover
Bourchier’s Mill – 141 High Street, Sutton
Bourchier’s Mill is an important landmark in the evolution of Sutton. Built in 1830, it is a clear reminder of the formation of the original village from the wilderness of Upper Canada into a thriving community. James O’Brien Bourchier and his brother, William, attempted to build the mill as early as 1819. It is unknown, however, what prevented their success.
James also later operated a woolen mill and a cheese factory across the river. He became a significant person in the town’s operation. He was a Path-master, Justice of the Peace, the first Postmaster (in 1831), an active supporter of the government during the Rebellion of 1837, a major shareholder in the Simcoe steamer (the first of its kind travelling Lake Simcoe), was instrumental in the building of the St. James Anglican Church (the first church in Sutton) and built the “Manor” as his grand residence appropriate to his status. Undoubtedly, he defined the future of the village of Bourchier’s Mill (Sutton) and was an impressive and notable town figure.
The present mill was built in three phases: the centre building housed the machinery and two turbines, a southern section was grain storage and the northern section was for shipping and receiving. The interior displays significant historical methods of construction.
The extremely large beams were visibly hand-hewn and pegged. The raceway is still visible but nonfunctioning. Now clad in steel siding, it was constructed of sawn lumber, hand hewn peg joints and planking. Remnants of the original red stain remain. Previous dormer and other windows have also been covered over. In the 1890’s the Mill became the first provider of electricity to the town of Sutton.
Two 50 horsepower turbines were powered by the Black River and yielded sufficient energy to power one light bulb in most Sutton businesses. The power was shut off at 11:00pm but would remain on if there was a dance being held in the Town Hall (the former woolen mill) across the river. This was allegedly accomplished by an offering of one dollar and a sandwich to the Mill owner. John Raines Bourchier took ownership in 1872 after his father’s death.
James’ son-in-law, James Anderson, may also have shared ownership. The Summerfeldts owned it in the 1870s until 1911. Scott Summerfeldt, the miller at that time, also built the Mill House (located up the hill to the north-west) around the turn of the century. Successive owners were Lowick & Sons until 1938, Les Cockburn until 1948 and then the Sutton District Cooperative took possession. After damage from Hurricane Hazel in 1954, an inefficient diesel motor ran the mill. Milling operations ended in the late 1950s.The business was run by different Co- operatives in the decades after, and more recently, businesses not related to the milling industry.
This article comes to us courtesy of The Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives an their collection of Doors Open Georgina 2010-2013 Historical Brochures and Handouts
James O’Brien Bourchier
James O’Brien Bourchier is lauded as the founder of Sutton, though he and his brother William, entered the township at the same time. William sold his lands to his brother and departed for England, in 1822. James remained and built the grist mill, sawmill,and later on, aWoolenMill. For this reason, Sutton was known for several decades as “Bourchier’s Mills”. James died in 1872 at the age of 75 and is said to have been honoured by the York Pioneers by the lowering of the flag at St. Lawrence Hall, Toronto. His obituary reads (in part): He came to this country in the year 1818 when everything was a wilderness, and to his determined energy and perseverance this village owes its rise.
From: https://www.georgina.ca/sites/default/files/page…/james_obrien_bourchier.pdf
Presentation Sneak Preview – Historic Wallpaper: Coloring the Past? Given by: Sarah Harrison
During the summer of 2017, several sheets of wallpaper were uncovered during the renovation of the summer kitchen of one of the historic houses at the Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives. After peeling it apart, the author set out to learn all she could about wallpaper in order to try and accurately date this documentary evidence. Due to the fragmentary nature of wallpaper, this has proved something of a challenge. This presentation will discuss different production methods of making wallpaper in addition to charting the history of wallpaper in a global as addition to a Canadian context; then it will move on to present the case study of the wallpaper discovery in this historic house. Lastly, there will be a discussion of why the study of wallpaper is important as a topic of historical investigation, followed by a Q&A session.
The goal of this presentation is to showcase some of the fascinating historical work currently being undertaken at the Pioneer Village, and the way in which it informs our understanding of the past from a social history perspective.
We look forward to your attendance on March 19th to learn about this colorful topic!
Where in Georgina?
There was one response to last month’s picture. Unfortunately it was incorrect and so we are running the photograph again this month for the last time.
News and Events
Melissa Matt, Curator of the Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives has announced a couple of new acquisitions for their collections. A sign from the Roches Point Post Office was found on line and was purchased for $400.00. Of solid tin construction, it will be hung in the Post Office building. The second item is a saddle badge; a distinctive badge used by the saddler W. E. (Billy Ed) Shepherd whose harness shop was located on High Street in Sutton. Known as the “Town Man”, he was noted for the editorials that he contributed to the local newspaper. A CN Sutton sign has been received as well as a number of family histories have been donated this past year. Melissa is busy sorting and cataloging these items for the archives.
We have been advised that Melissa is posting printed information on location about each building in the village to make it easier for visitors and volunteers. Printed histories on various buildings in Georgina will be made available to the Georgina Historical Society to be handed out at various event. This would be helpful in encouraging interest about the village, local history, and in membership in the GHS.
The Nena Marsden Memorial Bursary is being offered again this year. An information letter and promotional poster will be sent to area secondary schools regarding the required essay topic and the award.
Upcoming Dates
March General Meeting: Tuesday, Mar 19th, YR Police, Early Wallpaper Decoration Sarah Harrison. 6:30 meet & greet, 7:00 meeting
April Board Meeting: Monday, April 1st, Noble House, 1:30PM
April General Meeting: Tuesday, April 23rd, Sibbald Diaries, YR Police, Hessel Pape 6:30 meet & greet, 7:00 meeting
Rise to Rebellion: May 9 Georgina Pioneer Village
May General Meeting: Tuesday, May 21st, Herbal Medicine, Jake Charles
June General Meeting: Tuesday, June 18th, St. Georges Church, Andrew Sibbald. Tentatively at the church and churchyard.
Canada Day: July 1
Harvest Fest: Sept 14
Old Fashioned Christmas: Nov 28