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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977, PAGE 7 Brian Winter's H istorical Whitby BROOKLIN INDUSTRIES It seems difficult today to imagine that the quiet village of Brooklin was a thriving industrial centre before the tum of the century, but this is true. The gently flowing stream which passes through Brooklin once provided enough water power to operate seven mills within a distance of three miles. These inclided three grist mills, two saw mills, one oatmeal mill and a woolen mill. There were also two tanneries. The first mill was a frame building erected in 1840 by Robert Campbell, one of the founders of Brooklin, then known as Winchester. It burned in 1848, causing Mr. Campbell to spend a considerable amount of money in replacing it with a brick structure. T-his brick mill is one of the finest of its kind in Ontario and the last of the old Brooklin mills. Mr. Campbell had considerable difficulty in getting his new mill built. Three builders tried and gave up, because the site was a cedar swamp and the foundations kept sinking into the quagmire. Finally a Mr. Sonley was obtained to take on the job. He cut down all the trees in the swamp and threw the brush where he wanted the foundation. Then he piled stones up until the mass sank 15 feet to bedrock. After this work he was able to start the foundation, despite prophecies by neighbors that the mill would never stand. For a number of years, Augustus Campbell operated the mill, which had a capacity of 50 barrels of flour per day, and employed five men. An excellent description of the brick miil is provided by Ross Johnston a Whitby writer, who wrote the folloving account in January 1884: "The Brooklin Mill stands about a short distance from the Tannery and is a three storey brick building, owned by the Campbell estate, and under the able management of Mr. John Robson. "The mill has three run of stone and is run by water power. It has had a purifier and smutter lately put in; has also a brush machine, and when in full blast can run off 75 W. J. MURRAY TANNERY, BRICK MILL & METHODIST CHURCH, C. 1885 barrels a day. Shipping is donc to some extent but business is mainly local; (the mill) does a large amount of gristing". Behind the mill was one of Brdoklin's two tanneries. It was built in 1854 by Moses Bartlett who sold out to John and Edward Cole a few years later. The tannery was operated by W. J. Murray from i1876 until the building was destroyed by fire in a great lightning storm of June 1890 which caused considerable flood damage as well. Mr. Johnston provides the following description of the W. J. Murray tannery in 1884: "The premises are extensive and commodious, and present a neat and tidy appearance. No wonder as to that, in view of the vast number of hides and neat stock that receive treatment here. "The main building is 102 by 56 feet, and is fitted up with the most approved machinery and is run by steam power and is heated by steam. "Mr. Murray informs me that from thirteen to fifteen thousand sides of leather are run through during the year. They make a specialty of buff, harness and upper leather, and employ regularly from 20 to 25 hands. You will see from.this how important an industry this is to the place. "A new brick smoke stack was erected last summer, about 70 feet high. The company have been in business here about eight years and everything about the premises gives token of good management and prosperity." Brooklin's second tannery was built in the north-west part of the village about 1858 by Joseph C. Hockins and George Mott. It's last owners were S. M. Wickett and'his brothers John and William. After the tannery was burned in May 1881, Mr. Wickett continued the leather business in Toronto. (more about mills next week) One of the toughest hurdles to get over in today's lifestyle is stress. ;t's a condition perhaps more commonly referred to as 'nerves'. l'm not a doctor and make no claim to any expertise on the subject but I admire people (and doctors) who can cope with the stress factor. Some folks can almost laugh at life and its difficulties and what seems small problems to them is often towering obstacles to others. The off-setting of stress has become recognised by big business and I'm inclined to accept the idea that time and money invested in anti-stress programmes is well worth the cost. FARM BUILDINGS HORSE BARNS Featuring complete turnkey operation - Design - Material - Erection. Standard size designs available at catalogue prices and custom designs to facilitate your individual require- ments, one or tvvo stories. Metal cladding is available in various gauges and profiles, your choice of galvanized or acrylic colour coated metal. MITCHELL BROTHERS Building Supplies Ltd. Brooklin, 655-4991 I've already cleared the fact I'm not a doctor but I've been through the stress experience more times than I care to remember. Worry is bad. Relaxation is good. (I am still trying to 'sell myself' this fact) I understand the brain works, to some degree, even when one is asleep. For years l've tried to stop my mind from CONTINUALLY WORKING -.- but it's tough. However, ! have found some ways to help overcome the problem. Before I pass on some of my suggestions and/or experiences * you might be interested to know some management consultants have created recreation divisions and offer programmes beamed at people with stress problems including those asking themselves "Is it all worth while". I understand these programmes are what be termed "retreats". Sometimes alone sometimes with a group. One programme V've seen recently offers "Executive Canoe Trips" generally for people 40 years or more. But stress strikes at students too -- and other groups under 40. Personally, ; can usually 'cut-off'my demanding working mind and its concern by involvement in simple things. Gardening is one. A full day working with earth, plants, vegetables, flowers, trees (even cutting grass) gives .me enormous satisfaction and inner peace. Now if I could make that feeling into a liquid or pill -- then promote it - Joki ie OawaTui Festival Tour ArPed vBy auss nTrvs May 14- 15 TOUR INCLUDES: * Return transportation by Voyageur Bus .ines * One nite's accommodation at Holiday Inn Centre * Tour of Ottawa's tulip areas * Experimental Farm featuring 1200 acres of flower beds 8 ornamental gardens * Admission to Old Ft. Henry * Tour escort * Baggage handling (1 piece) * Hotel tax * Meals not included RATES Single $61.00 Tvvin $49.00 per person Triple $44.00 per person Quad - $41.50 per person CONTACT RUSSELL TRAVEL 116 axsÇ.S s nWHE s668 Hoîirs Mon - Sat 9-5 I'd become a millionaire. Maybe I'll cut a record instead. Heaven knows -- thousands of people are in need of help. Next there is fishing. But without noise -- and with patience. It must be a quiet location and if with a companion -- someone who has an easy going attitude -- but with compassion understanding and serenity (not an easy person to find). A third is walking through rolling country or beside water (I prefer salt water with my feet in it and fresh air around me). Another is simple conversation with good friends or people with a zest for life and desirous of maintaining the old tradition of a small weekend dinner (4-6 people) enjoyed with a little wine and sharing hopes, ,dreams and experiences. In the late 60's I went through a rough stress period. Finally I made a decision and left the city behind for the quietness of Northern Ontario. I walked a great deal; retired to bed no later than 10 p.m. and was outside our rented cottage between 6 and 7 a.m. The lakes gave'me wonderful peace of mind and I spent many happy hours rowing a small boat exploring the many points of interest. My wife is well informed on stress and gave me great understanding and help at the time. I got over my stress and came to terms with myself. It was not easy. Everyone needs a break. If you feel the pangs of stress see a doctor and know that something can be done to help you. li POULTRY LA CONTESSA BEAUTY LOUNGE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that Mr. Geoffrey formerly of Seav Beauty Salon has joined our staff MR. GEOFFREY styles hair with elegant ease. He has the latest training in all areas of cut-styling & perming. 119 Green'St. 668-9262