Upper Canada Village was the focus of our explorations today. It is a reconstruction of a village in this area in the 1860s. Buildings from across the area have been rebuilt here and are ‘peopled’ by workers and everyday people acting as if they were in that time. Upon entry one steps back to the 1860s. The village is built around a natural waterway leading to the St. Lawrence River. We saw a woollen factory which represents the emergence of the new mechanised factory system and a flour mill that used a horizontal waterwheel to turn large millstones of rock from France. This was imported because it was quartz free and therefore hard pieces would not get into the flour.
Nearby was a water powered saw for cutting lumber. Such sawmills were common but indispensable for such a community dependent upon timber.
A cabinetmaker was at work producing custom made fine furniture but also made things needed by local people. We saw this happen as someone came to his workshop with a small job for him to execute.
The printing office was interesting as we saw the weekly newspaper being produced as well as posters and other printing jobs. It was interesting that at this time the local office took delivery of international news from other newspapers that had a connection with the sub-marine cable from Europe.
The school teacher.
Canadian Cheddar cheese was made here but only in small amounts.
Christ Church is a stately white building but with a very plain interior for an Anglican church. There was so much more to see but we hope this gives a flavour of the visit.
