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, Teske Smith, relocated the mill from its original site in Selbourne twice and brought together log cabin components from two 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

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

Second Relocation

• Moved again across frozen farm fields over two winters by Norman Brookes.
• Vandalized during the year it sat en route to the new location.

Log Cabins & Family Use

• In 1962, children used the mill for gatherings; parents needed quiet.
• Teskey found a log cabin in Tavistock, paid $100, dismantled and moved it.
• Organized a “cabin raising bee” to reassemble it.
• Following year: “chinking bee” with Teskey mixing materials in large tubs.
• Later added a washroom and small kitchen.
• Teskey and Teen moved in; mill left to the children.

Second Log Cabin

• In 1972, Teskey bought a 2-storey log cabin from New Dundee golf course area for $500.
• Hired Mennonite builders to reconstruct it.
• Sold farm near Kitchener to finance his retirement.
• Teskey and Teen lived in this new structure.

Family Transition

• Teskey entered care in 1990; Teen passed in 1993.
• Daughters declined the property.
• Lois and John purchased the cabins and moved in permanently.

Windows & Contributions

• Windows came from demolished buildings during Toronto’s Yonge Street subway construction.
• Bob Fish acknowledged for his work on additions, basements, fireplace, and retreat.
• Bob’s brother Allen Fish attended the meeting.

Recent Updates

• In 2022, John and Lois gave the mill to daughter Jessica.
• Jessica has another cottage in Lake of Bays, but the mill is still used, especially in winter (it’s heated).

Anecdotes & Gratitude

• Don Mathers shared a memory of meeting Teskey 53 years ago.
• Group thanked John for the presentation and tour of the mill and cabins.