HOPE MILL RESTORATION PROJECT

The Hope Mill Restoration Volunteers have received four awards for their work:
WOODWorks! Heritage Award
George A. Cox Award for Heritage Preservation
Heritage Preservation Award of Peterborough County, and
the Heritage Community Recognition Program Certificate of Achievement
of the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

The Otonabee Region Conservation Foundation thanks all the volunteers - individuals and agencies - who have donated their skilled labour, time, tools, materials and equipment and their passion for this historic sawmill.

Our thanks and appreciation are extended to all those businesses that have supported, and continue to support the restoration efforts... in particular, GE Canada and especially Paul Courneya, Rob Howson and Pat Buchanan.

The Hope Mill was built on the bank of the Indian River in the early 1800's. The mill and dam remain on their original site, contributing to the unique character of this historic landmark of Peterborough County. The Hope Mill and dam are owned by Otonabee Conservation. The heritage restoration efforts are being undertaken by the Otonabee Conservation Foundation.

Restoration of the three upper level rooms was made possible with the generous support of the Algonquin Forestry Authority. The main room features the antique woodworking tool collection, donated to the Conservation Authority by the late Joseph P. Sharp.

The walls are lined with the 19th century Sharp tool collection. The collection should be viewed to be truly appreciated.

Squire William Lang built the mill in the mid-1830's. The lower level housed the mill operation with the living quarters above. The Lang Family remained in the mill residence until the completion of the adjacent stone house in 1848.

Every Tuesday, during July and August (2006) you are invited to visit the Hope Mill for a demonstration of the sawmilling operation. The mill will be open to visitors from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and the demonstration will take place at 2:00 pm. A $2.00 contribution to the restoration efforts will be appreciated.

The Algonquin Forestry Authority was present on June 3 and offered the Hope Mill several forestry education resources to support future school programs. Making the presentation was Mr. Hugh Christie, Chair of the AFA, as well as Mr. Carl Corbett, AFA General Manager.

The Hope Mill Restoration Volunteers presented Paul Courneya (GE Canada) with a leather apron as a token of appreciation for Paul's mastery of refurbishing the two turbines, which are the heart of this mill!

Mr. Bob Rehder, Coordinator of the Hope Mill Volunteers and Restoration Effort, receives a special gift from his fellow volunteers.
The photograph of gears was taken by Mr. David Broadhurst.

If you would like to become involved with the Hope Mill Restoration project, please call the Otonabee Conservation Foundation at 745-5791.
Your support will be greatly appreciated!