Grist Mill

ABC Wednesday
February 24th, 2016

The letter is G for the Grist Mill in Keremeos

Established by Barrington Price, an English Immigrant to British Columbia, 

and opened on August 21st, 1877,

The Grist Mill was of great benefit to local farmers, ranchers and native people,  saving them the long journey to Colville, Washington to have their grain processed into flour.

It continued in business until 1890, when trade declined and the site became a home, and the mill machinery building eventually a chicken house, with all the mill parts dismantled and left in a heap.

In 1979 the property was purchased by the British Columbia Heritage Trust as a last surviving example of pioneer settlement mills in B.C.

Restoration of the basic power system and machinery has resulted in flour once again being produced in the old mill - but for different economic reasons....

The Mill is now a Heritage Site and Tourist Attraction, and the grinding of grain part of a tour of the

property.

It has been expanded into Gardens and a tea room, with the usual Gift Shop selling items peculiar to the historical attraction and the development of heritage sites such as a field of wheat harvested in the old ways of the 19th century, local honey and hand crafts, cards and momentos, etc. etc.

There is a kitchen, where things are done in the old fashioned way, - spinning days, an ancient pump organ. and the local Museum Society is most supportive.

The Grist Mill is an integrate part of the community, - there are Apple Days, a return to the growing of Zucca Melons which was an early project of the newly restored Mill, wonderful musical evenings during the summer months, outdoors under the chestnut trees, - and an inventive co-operation between the Grist Mill and local wineries to add to the various well attended events.

In 1997, when Charles' Lancaster crew all came to visit western Canada, we took them to the Grist Mill and had a lovely time......

For more entertaining Gs visit here at ABC Wednesday, with Gratitude to Roger, Denise and all Great helpers.