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History of the Mill
Heritage Port Stanley
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: The Mill, 181 Brayside
Attendance: 31 (29 members, 2 guests)
1. Call to Order
Chair David Russell opened the meeting at 1:30 PM and welcomed everyone. Nora Sanders shared the land acknowledgement.
2. Adoption of Minutes
The minutes of the April 23, 2026 meeting were approved as circulated. Motion moved by Laurie Nagge and seconded by Richard Haddow. Carried.
3. Treasurer’s Report
| Account | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Account Balance | $3,409.99 |
| GICs | 2 × $4,000 |
| GICs | 3 × $1,000 |
Anne Kent presented the Treasurer’s Report.
4. Executive Update
David Russell provided an update on the incline railway cars.
Nora Sanders reported that the $1,800 grant will help fund publication of the walking tour brochure, the Oneida sign, and additional editing of Heritage videos.
Anne Kent noted that the brochures are complete and ready to go to print. She also read the new addition regarding the Barry House.
5. June 27 Walking Tours
Sally Martyn reported that six tour guides are confirmed, covering the three routes and the starting point at the Kettle Creek Inn.
Sally will remain at the Inn to describe the routes and share the history of Port Stanley and Christ Church while groups wait for their chosen tours. The event will run from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Posters will be distributed shortly.
6. Heritage Question of the Month
Question: What is the name of the road on which the original Selborne Mill sat?
Answer: Thomas Street.
Only John Smith and Craig Cole correctly answered the question. John Smith received the final Heritage Port Stanley mug.
7. Future Meetings
| Date | Location | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 25 | Mitchell House | History of the Mitchells | Joan Clayton |
| July 29 (Wednesday) | PSTR Ride and Picnic | — | — |
| September 24 | 190 Cornell | Hillcrest | Sally Martyn |
8. Heritage Announcements
Sally Martyn reminded members about the Historical High Tea and Fashion Show in Sparta on June 6 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Only a few tickets remain available.
9. Feature Presentation
Presenter: John Smith
Topic: The Mill
John Smith shared the history of The Mill, originally built in 1831 and weighing approximately 130 tons.
John explained that his father, Teskey Smith, had been searching for a unique building to convert into a cottage. Initially considering a barn, he was encouraged to look at the Selborne Mill, which was for sale. Teskey purchased the mill for $1,000, and Clifford Gillard dismantled and reassembled it at the far end of Harrison Place on Lawrence Street in 1949.
By 1954, shoreline erosion made another move necessary. Norman Brookes of Aylmer relocated the structure during winter months over the course of two winters. During the first winter, vandals entered the building, damaged artifacts, and spread Teskey’s oil paints across the floor.
John noted that twelve doors and all the windows were salvaged from Toronto buildings demolished during subway construction.
In 1972, Teskey gifted the mill to his four children. Coordinating usage among the families became difficult, leading John to purchase his sisters’ shares under agreed conditions. Later, the building required fumigation due to powder post beetle infestation.
John and his wife Lois gifted the property to their daughter in 2024 and purchased a farm for their son.
As the family expanded, Teskey sought a quieter retreat and purchased a log cabin in Tavistock for $100, primarily for its logs. The logs were carefully marked, transported, and reassembled west of the mill in 1962 during a community cabin-raising event.
Teskey later expanded the cabin with an addition, creating a small home for himself and Teen. After retirement, he purchased a three-story log cabin for $500 and hired two Amish craftsmen, Eldi and Sivana Schautz, to extend the addition and reconstruct the larger cabin. During construction, the craftsmen lived in the original cabin and ate their meals at the Lakeside.
10. Adjournment
David Russell thanked John Smith for his fascinating presentation on the historic building and its many antiques. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM, followed by a tour of the building.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on June 25 at 1:30 PM at Mitchell House on George Street.
Joan Clayton noted that following the presentation and meeting, she will be hosting a party.
Secretary: Sally Martyn
Chair: David Russell