Photo Andy Harjula. This recently restored grain elevator is the last of its kind in Ontario.
On September 16th, Kathy Morton, President of the Manvers Township Historical Society hosted a dedication ceremony for the unveiling of the renovated grain elevator in Pontypool. This particular structure was built in 1918 to replace the original elevator built in 1894. It is the last elevator if its kind in Ontario and the last of nine elevators still standing in Canada.
The original purpose for the Pontypool elevator was to store barley, wheat and oats in the days of horse and buggy. These products where shipped to Toronto and Montreal by CPR train. As the elevator expanded its services, the first power line to Pontypool came to the elevator and later the first diesel generator in the area was added to grind crops for the farmers. As farms expanded and the transportation system improved, farmers were able to store their own grain and have it trucked to larger elevators.
The management of the terminal is by agreement between the City of Kawartha Lakes, the owner, and the Manvers Township Historical Society volunteers.
Also in attendance was Linda Richardson whose great uncle Ernie Nicholson was the first grain elevator operator, and Kim Neals Thornbury, whose grandfather Harry Neals, father Bernard Neals and uncle Preston Neals were the last operators before the elevator closed down in the 70’s.The dedication ceremony also included an unveiling by Bill Bateman of a historic designation plaque by the City of Kawartha Lakes Heritage Victoria Committee. Kathy Morton described the 12 year journey to refurbish the elevator which was liberally plastered with pigeon excrement, replacing the roof and outside wall sidings and upgrading the electric services.
By Andy Harjula
