Under threatening skies, the Museum Club visited Dickinson Square in Manotick on Sunday, August 18, 2024, for a guided tour of Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House. Eighteen of the twenty registered participants took the chance and were rewarded with a wonderful experience.
After we gathered and were welcomed by our host Avery Geboers, we split into two groups, one starting in Watson’s Mill and the other in Dickinson House.
Inside Watson's MillWatson’s Mill was built by Moss Kent Dickinson and Joseph Merrill Currier, one of four mills to be constructed in the general location, including a sawmill (1859), a flour & grist mill (1860, Watson’s Mill), a wool carding mill (1861), and a bung, plug and spile mill (1875, 1888). The 4-storey mill was a marvel of automation for its day, powered by water turbines, rather than a waterwheel, which allowed the mill to operate year round. An ingenious combination of belts and chutes enabled the mill to be run by one person. As far as we know, we were not joined on our tour by the ghost of Ann Crosby Currier, (wife of Joseph for only 6 weeks), who died in a tragic accident in the mill in 1861 and is said to have never left.
Inside Dickinson HouseDickinson House, across the street from the mill was built in 1867 and served as the village post office, general store and home to the Dickinson family and all subsequent mill owners. The house is furnished in pieces from the late 1800s, though only one chair and a notary seal are from the Dickinson family.
The costumed interpreters in both the mill and the house were poised, polite, professional and extremely knowledgeable. They added greatly to our understanding of the site and our overall enjoyment of our visit.
When both tours were completed, we gathered again in the mill. On most summer Sunday afternoons there is a milling demonstration, but due to unfortunate circumstances, this could not be done on the day of our visit (a good reason for another trip). Our hosts did, however, arrange for us to start the water turbine so we could see some of the mill equipment in motion. The President of the Historical Society of Ottawa, Emma Kent, was put to work, turning the heavy wheel to start the mill. You can watch her in this video:
If you were unable to join us for the day, we strongly urge a visit to this very interesting complex. There is much more to learn about Watson’s Mill and Dickinson Square from their fact-filled website: Watson's Mill & Dickinson House
Grain Milling Process at Watson's Mill
Having finished at the mill site, fifteen of us took the short walk to The Vault Bistro where we enjoyed a variety of fine dishes.
The weather smiled upon us and we all left Manotick with smiles ourselves.
Video and photos courtesy of Justin Lacasse.
