2014 AACC Guide

Bell’s Gristmill, utopiaThe only historically designatedbuilding in Essa Township,Utopia’s Bell’s Gristmill hasborne witness to the life of our communityand country. Originally built in 1864,3 years before Canada was “born”, ourgristmill served an important role in ourlocal agriculture, turning locally growngrain into the flour and ‘chop’ to feed thepeople and livestock of Essa Township.When closed in 1965, a sign wasplaced on the building’s front face brieflydescribing the gristmill’s history and endingwith the hope that a day would come whenit would be restored. Soon, with everyone’sever greater support, this day will be a reality.Narrowly escaping privatization as wellas demolition, the restoration of Bell’sGristmill is being championed by folksthroughout the Township and beyond withthe vision of it magnificently illustratingthe history of our area as well as servingas a means to continue to celebrate localagriculture and community.Spearheaded by the Friends of theUtopia Gristmill & Park and supported bythe efforts of the Utopia Hall and the HappyHens of Utopia, the team offers a host offundraising and community activities tosecure ever-greater funds and support.Every Saturday morning, you cancome out to the Utopia Hall to snack onhomemade bread and other delicious treatswhile catching up on the happenings ofthe week. A monthly breakfast feast on thefirst Saturday of each month has becomea favourite for folks near and far. Theannual donation of compost from EnviremOrganics of Atlantic Canada is sold eachSpring and into the gardening months tohelp cover the costs to keep the UtopiaConservation Area, the land in which thegristmill resides, open to all. Travelling andlocal musicians perform on a regular basis…all being mindful that their performance isalso helping to add monies to the restorationfund. And Canada Day has taken on extrameaning with a special concert beside thegristmill in the Utopia Conservation Area.And with each event and every passingday, the road to restoration is being pavedand the vision becomes reality.Come out and be a part of history. Your support is needed andgreatly appreciated. For more information and to get involved,visit www.utopia.on.ca24 - Angus & Area Community Guide 2014