Yorkton Stories
The flour mill: 125 years of history
In 1898, J.J. Smith built a flour mill at the new site of Yorkton, which had moved south a few miles from the original York Colony settlement to be alongside the new rail line. The mill, built of brick where most mills of the era were wooden structures, went from a bustling village hub to a dilapidated eyesore by 2000, suitable only for the wrecker's ball, many thought.
Today, 125 years later, the grounds and building are again a busy place for community activities, with more to come, due to the work of a non-profit historical society and many volunteers.
We trace the up and down and up of the flour mill as we hear from Carman Smith of Barriere, BC, the grandson of the original owner and builder, as well as those involved in saving and restoring the mill in recent years.
In 1898, J.J. Smith built a flour mill at the new site of Yorkton, which had moved south a few miles from the original York Colony settlement to be alongside the new rail line. The mill, built of brick where most mills of the era were wooden structures, went from a bustling village hub to a dilapidated eyesore by 2000, suitable only for the wrecker's ball, many thought.
Today, 125 years later, the grounds and building are again a busy place for community activities, with more to come, due to the work of a non-profit historical society and many volunteers.
We trace the up and down and up of the flour mill as we hear from Carman Smith of Barriere, BC, the grandson of the original owner and builder, as well as those involved in saving and restoring the mill in recent years.