EDEN MILLS – The village of Eden Mills, nestled in an Eramosa River valley with a population of about 350, has a rich history.
In the 1600s, its dense cedar bush was the favoured hunting and fishing grounds of the Attawandaron Nation, also known as the Neutrals.
Following the Neutrals’ occupation, the area was in the Mississauga of the Credit territory who negotiated the sale of a large tract of land, including the area now called Eden Mills, in 1818.
In 1842, the Kribs brothers founded “Kribs Mills”, which was renamed Eden Mills in 1846 by the new mill owner, Adam Argo. He renamed it because the location seemed to be as beautiful as the Garden of Eden, officials say.
For many years Eden Mills boasted a grist mill, an award-winning oatmeal mill and several saw mills. The mills relied on the water power generated by the Eramosa River, which splits into two branches in the village, flowing to join the Speed River in Guelph, and then the Grand – a Canadian Heritage River.
During the 19th and early part of the 20th century, Eden Mills was a bustling centre of commerce. In addition to its three mills, it boasted a three-storey general store, a hotel, post office, black smith shop, taxidermist, Toronto Suburban railway stop, gas stations, a second general store and a coffee shop.
The change in the importance of rivers for power and the rise of the automobile eventually led to the by-passing of the village.
In the early 1930s, Eden Mills was a favourite cottage and vacation destination, with a stop (in what would become Edgewood Camp) on the Toronto Suburban Railway that ran from Guelph to Toronto and back. Vacationers and villagers alike spent lazy, summer days swimming in the iconic millpond.
In the 1940s and 1950s, life revolved around the two churches (United and Presbyterian), the local one-room school (SS#11), the village hall, and the softball diamond.
Before the internet, the village post office in Marshall’s General Store and Norm Thomas’s Coffee Shop were the main places to exchange the news of the day.
A unique history
Today, the charming hamlet looks much like it did 100 years ago.
On Feb. 3, from 1pm to 4pm, the Eden Mills and District Community Club will celebrate the unique history of the village with Eden Mills History Day, at the village hall. Over 20 organizations and people will be on hand to display old photos and historical documents.
This year History Day organizer Barb Marshall would like to highlight the themes of “then and now” and “transformation and change” in the village.
Marshall said, “As we reflect on the past, we see that Eden Mills has reinvented itself once again – a vibrant village with a “can do” attitude – widely recognized for its innovative literary, artistic and environmental achievements.
The displays including Edgewood Camp, Rivermead (former United Church), Eden Mills Hall, and the Mill will tell their unique stories.
The Eden Mills Community Club invites everyone to come out to History Day, where individuals, families and groups, including historical societies and churches will swap tales and show their photos from the past.
The Wellington County Museum and Archives, the Township of Guelph-Eramosa’s Heritage Committee and the Eden Mills Community Club will be among the groups with displays.
Tea, coffee, apple cider and homemade baked goods will be offered for sale to enjoy while looking at old photos and soaking up the history. Come out and learn about the unique history of the village and its families, and visit with old and new friends.
The event takes place at Eden Mills Hall, 104 York St. Entrance is free but donations are welcome, with proceeds to Eden Mills community programs.
To reserve a table to show your historical pictures or objects/family genealogy/pictures, contact Barb at 519-856-4463.
For more information, go to edenmills.ca.
