Residents Celebrate 150 Years of Anten Mills Community History

Residents of Anten Mills marked a significant milestone on March 30, 2024, as they celebrated the village’s sesquicentennial anniversary with a day filled with stories, activities, and reflection. The event drew a crowd of several hundred locals, highlighting a strong sense of community and shared history.

Among those reminiscing was Don McRae, who fondly recalled his experiences at the village’s one-room schoolhouse, established in 1875 and operational until 1968. “We walked to school, but it was only uphill one way,” McRae shared, emphasizing that back then, walking was the norm, as there were no school buses or cars for transportation. He began attending the school in the mid-1950s, a time when students braved harsh winter conditions to ensure they received their education.

“There was no such thing as a snow day,” he said. “We’d walk, and some of the kids lived a couple of miles away, to school every day.” McRae described an incident during a snowstorm that left students soaked but undeterred. “We all pretty much had to disrobe and dry off around the pot-belly stove,” he recalled with a smile.

The sesquicentennial celebration featured activities for all ages, including a climbing wall, a bouncy castle for children, and modern horseshoes, known locally as cornhole. Guests enjoyed classic fare such as hot dogs and chips, while many took the opportunity to explore the community’s history showcased in the recently renovated community centre.

According to Dennis Gannon, the lead organizer of the 150th celebration, the community actively sought to restore the historical school and its bell tower in time for the anniversary. This initiative, he noted, was crucial as both structures hold significant historical value for the residents. “While the bell and tower work has yet to be completed, the interior work has been done and it’s fantastic,” Gannon stated, reflecting the collective effort to preserve local heritage.

During the welcoming ceremonies, Jennifer Coughlin, Mayor of Springwater, addressed the crowd, saying, “Our community is built on stories, stories of families growing, businesses thriving and a collective spirit that brings us all together.” She emphasized that the commemoration serves as an opportunity to reflect on the past with pride while also looking ahead with optimism.

The restoration project, which included general repairs to maintain the building’s original appearance, has given residents a vibrant space to create new memories. The celebration of Anten Mills’ rich history not only highlights the village’s past but also fosters a spirit of inclusivity and progress as it moves into the future.

As the event continued into the evening, guests shared laughter and stories, reinforcing the bonds that have existed in the village for one hundred and fifty years. The sesquicentennial celebration was a testament to the enduring community spirit that defines Anten Mills.