The Mill and Log Cabins: A Legacy Rebuilt

John Smith welcomed the group to the old Mill and log cabins and shared the remarkable story of how his father, Teskey Smith, relocated the mill from its original site in Selbourne twice and brought together two log cabins from different locations. Together, they were reassembled at this scenic spot overlooking Lake Erie, preserving a piece of the region’s early heritage.

Key Points from John Smith’s Presentation

Overview & Mill History

• The mill was originally built in 1831 and changed ownership multiple times.
• Teskey Smith (John’s father) bought it in 1949 to convert into a family cottage.
• It was dismantled and moved by Floyd Gilbert to Harrison Street (then Victoria Street), and rebuilt in 1950, originally 300 feet from the lake cliffs.
• By 1955, erosion brought it within 100 feet, prompting a second move.

Second Relocation

• The mill was moved again across frozen farm fields over two winters by Norman Brookes.
• It was vandalized during the year it sat en route to the new location.

Log Cabins & Family Use

• In 1962, Teskey found a log cabin in Tavistock, paid $100, dismantled and moved it. He organized a “cabin raising bee” to reassemble it, and the following year, a “chinking bee” with Teskey mixing materials in large tubs. Later, a washroom and small kitchen were added. Teskey and Teen moved in, and the mill was left to the children.

Second Log Cabin

• In 1972, Teskey bought a two-storey log cabin from the New Dundee golf course area for $500 and hired Mennonite builders to reconstruct it. He sold his farm near Kitchener to finance his retirement. Teskey and Teen lived in this new structure.

Family Transition

• John and Lois took possession of the Mill after the death of Teskey and Teen and later moved into the log cabins as their permanent home. The mill was later transferred to their daughter.

Windows & Contributions

• Windows came from demolished buildings during Toronto’s Yonge Street subway construction.
• Bob Fish was acknowledged for his craftsmanship at several stages of the renovations.