Photo supplied.
Needler’s Mill got to play a part in the recent filming of a Tall Pines episode. Proceeds from this cameo role will be used to repair and maintain the mill’s exterior. Needler’s Mill, saved from demolition by the generosity of many community members and friends in 2016, is owned by the Millbrook & Cavan Historical Society.
Our past year as your local Historical Society was diverse in projects and presentations, exuberantly ambitious, and extremely successful. Three guest speakers, two full-house Trivia Nights and two afternoon programs at the Millbrook branch of CM Libraries, one tribute night to honour the continuing history and contributions of our volunteer firefighters, and one very successful special event, Blocks & Blooms this past June. Quite a lot for a small band of community volunteers.
We had fun giving an illustrated presentation at Kawartha Downs to an enthusiastic audience of Community Care participants and volunteers, and addressed both the BIA and Council. We also had the privilege of mounting a new interpretive panel on Needler’s Mill, dedicated to the memory of “Sally”, Shirley Hall. Behind the scenes, work continued with the cataloguing of the Archives, and our Genealogy consultant, Kim, responded to numerous inquiries.
It all took our breath away! We have had to spend the summer in relative repose.
Looking ahead, we are delighted to have been invited to present two separate afternoon programs in a few weeks for those with flexible schedules. The first will be an exciting, perhaps challenging but definitely fun Trivia Quiz on Wednesday, September 25, 1-3 pm, complete with visual clues and hands-on hints. Come and have fun learning more about our local history at the Millbrook branch of CM Libraries in the Old Millbrook School on Dufferin Street.
Then on Tuesday, October 1, 1-3 pm, we will be at the Bruce Johnston branch on Davis Road to give a fresh new Virtual Tour, complete with slides and stories about some of the most historically interesting sites in our township. We are grateful to CM Libraries for their invitation to us.
Our first evening presentation will take place in October, when we look forward to featuring Glenn Fallis, founder and owner of the Voyageur Canoe Company in Millbrook. This will be the first in an exciting line-up of presentations and programming as your Historical Society Board designs new and innovative ways to shine a light on the personalities, the events and the heritage sites that make Cavan Monaghan such a story-rich place to learn from, build on, and enjoy.
For members, be patient! Newsletter and renewals coming soon. For volunteers and those interested in finding out more about how you can be a part of MCHS, email millbrookcavanhs@gmail.com. We always welcome helpers.
By Celia Hunter