KAGAWONG—The 100th anniversary celebration of the Old Mill building in Kagawong focussed on the building and what it has meant to the community, but it was also a celebration of the many people who have been involved in preserving and developing the history, culture and heritage of the community and area.
“Tonight is a celebration of heritage, resilience and the generations who built and preserved this landmark,” stated Billings Mayor Bryan Barker at the Old Mill 100th anniversary gala held this past Saturday evening. “It’s also a tribute to all the people, past and present, who make this community so special.”
“Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, curator and local leaders, this centre has become more than a museum, it’s a living archive of Manitoulin’s rich heritage,” said Jim Belanger, member of parliament for Sudbury East-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt. “It tells the stories of pioneering families, Indigenous roots, wartime heroes and the everyday lives that shaped this region.”
“This beautiful and special building honours the hard work, sacrifices of many people from past and present for those in future generations,” said Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin.
Dianne Fraser, a member of the Billings Museum Committee bade, “a warm welcome to everyone here tonight for the celebration of the Old Mill-100 years 1925 to 2025. A milestone for a small community like Kagawong. The Fox River Pulp and Paper Company built this pulp mill to grind the spruce pulpwood into pulp and ship it by boat to Wisconsin where it was transformed into paper for such uses as the Sears-Roebuck catalogues. After the mill closed in the 1930s, the Hydro Electric Power Company bought the building. It became a hydroelectric station, eventually supplying electricity to all of Manitoulin Island until around 1960 when the building was decommissioned. It remained a vacant building for 30 years when in the 1990s some civic-minded citizens of Billings repurposed and renovated this limestone building for community use.”
“Over the years, changes have taken place; the upper floor houses the Edwards Art Studio, part of the main floor became the Billings Municipal Office and in 2008 the Old Mill Heritage Centre became a reality,” said Ms. Fraser. “A curator (Rick Nelson) was hired, and the Billings Museum Committee was established. The mandate was to collect, record, research and exhibit historical information about this area for present and future generations.”
Ms. Fraser explained, “when a group of people interested in preserving history were planning how to go forward for a heritage centre, we were given very good advice from a representative from the Ministry of Culture, Anita Lamarche. She told us to develop exhibits based on the history of this area such as Berry Boats which is this sight where the Old Mill is now situated, shipping for the port of Kagawong, commercial fishing, sawmills, agriculture, Daniel Dodge and Lester B. Pearson, to name just a few. Also, the museum may highlight special news events from time to time. Tonight, one of our guests is Micheline Baxter from the Ministry of Culture. Thank you for coming.”
“Through diligence and hard work and the community answering requests for historical artifacts and stories, exhibits were developed, and we opened for visitors,” continued Ms. Fraser. “Also, a welcome addition was the Post Office Museum sharing history about the early times of Manitoulin. The Post Office Museum was started to share this area’s history by the past organization, the Kagawong Historical Society.”
Ms. Fraser noted several special guests on hand for the celebration, including Billings township mayor Bryan Barker, Jim Belanger, MP for Sudbury East-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt, Marit Stiles, New Democrat Party Leader of the Official Opposition, Queens Park, Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, who delivered formal remarks on behalf of Premier Doug Ford and the province of Ontario.
“On behalf of the Billings Old Mill Heritage Centre, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this very special evening, our Old Mill 100th anniversary gala,” stated Mayor Barker.
“We are honoured to be joined tonight by esteemed dignitaries, valued community members, cherished guests, and members of the media and all those helping us share this moment beyond these walls. Thank you for telling our story.”
“Thank you for joining us as we honour 100 years of the Old Mill and the legacy it represents,” said Mayor Barker. “We hope you enjoy the evening, the stories and the company. Here is to a century of history and to the enduring spirit it represents. Thank you!”
MP Belanger said, “It is a true honour to be here in beautiful Kagawong to celebrate a significant milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Old Mill Heritage Centre. This building, once a pulp mill, has stood as a symbol of resilience, transformation, and community spirit for a full century. From powering homes in the early 20th century to now inspiring minds and hearts through history and storytelling, the Old Mill has always been at the heart of this community.”
MP Belanger said, “every time I set foot on this beautiful island, I find myself already looking forward to coming back. As your Member of Parliament, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to preserving this legacy. Your work ensures that future generations will not only remember the past, they will learn from it, be inspired by it and carry it forward.”
“Congratulations on 100 years of history, heart and heritage,” said MP Belanger. “Here’s to the next century of storytelling. Thank you and enjoy this evening’s celebration.”
NDP Leader Marit Stiles told the approximately 100 people in attendance in the museum, “It is an honour to be with all of you here tonight for this special celebration. My visit was arranged by your former MPP Carol Hughes.”
“I would like to thank Dianne (Fraser) and her museum committee, curator Rick Nelson, and the entire group that made this celebration possible, now and in the past,” stated Ms. Stiles. She explained over the past few weeks she has been visiting communities in Northern Ontario. “I have learned so much being in Northern Ontario and visiting the wonderful people in the communities.”
“What has been built, preserved and grown here at the Old Mill is the type of stories we like to tell, of the commitment and dedication by so many to preserve our history and culture,” said Ms. Stiles. “This is one of the most important heritage museums anywhere, as you have preserved the history of the community and area, from shipping, legends like Daniel Dodge, to Lester B. Pearson’s involvement in the community and (long-time Billings Mayor and councillor) Austin Hunt. Everyone who has been involved in the Old Mill and the heritage centre needs to be proud of what you have delivered.”
“I can see the obvious hard work and care that has been given by so many people to keep the history alive,” said Ms. Stiles.
“On behalf of the Premier and the province of Ontario it is great to be here tonight for this celebration and thank you for the wonderful opportunity to share in this special event this evening,” said MPP Rosenberg. “We all know how important volunteers are. I would like to thank everyone who has had a part in making this celebration a reality for the community and a heritage museum that will be appreciated by generations in the years to come in preserving the history of the area. Together it is and will be a source of pride and information for years to come.”
MPP Rosenberg read a letter of congratulations from Premier Doug Ford which states in part, “Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of this historic building and the people who have established the Old Mill Heritage Museum. We recognize the dedication of so many volunteers and community members who have kept the history of the community and area alive.”
Mayor Barker said, “as we come to the close of this unforgettable evening, I want to thank you all for being part of this 100th celebration. Your presence has made this milestone truly special. I would like to acknowledge our museum curator Rick Nelson for his passion, commitment and dedication in managing the museum and presenting its history to our community and its visitors. Thanks, Rick.”
“Before we conclude, we have one final honour,” said Mayor Barker. “On behalf of Billings township, we are proud to present this commemorative plaque to the Old Mill Museum Committee, in recognition of your dedication, vision and tireless efforts in preserving and sharing our local history. This plaque is a small token of our deep appreciation, and a lasting reminder of the impact your work has in preserving our history and in making this evening possible.”
Ms. Fraser told the gathering, “thank you to everyone who has supported the Old Mill Heritage Centre and the Post Office Museum. It is because of all of you that this journey of preserving and sharing of history is possible. Thank you, members of the Billings Museum Committee; our chair Michael Hunt, curator Rick Nelson, recorder/treasurer Harmony Hancock, Brad MacKay, Wes Newburn, Diane Larocque, Deb Flaxman, Barb Edwards. Thanks to administrative staff, mayor and council for all their support.”
She encouraged everyone, “please visit our tent, which has lovely refreshments, delicious finger food, cold water and refreshing punch. Also to commemorate this special year a book called “Kagawong Old Mill-Celebrating 100 Years” is available as are commemorative pins of the Old Mill. So, here’s to the Old Mill 100 years and to many more!”
