Babcock Mill

The beautiful and historic Babcock Mill is located on the banks of the Millhaven Creek in the village of Odessa. The mill is an important part of Loyalist Township's rich history. The stone mill was built in 1856 on land deeded by the British Government to Joshua Booth in 1803.

This picturesque property is the perfect location for an afternoon play at the natural play structure or a stroll along the newly developed path, topped off with a picnic on the grass overlooking the creek.

Although the Babcock Mill is not open to the public for tours, we encourage visitors to relax in the beautiful surroundings and take in the fascinating structure.

Work is taking place behind the scenes to open the doors once again for public tours. If you are interested in supporting this work, please email the staff in Heritage, Culture and Tourism.

historical stone mill

Location

100 Bridge Street, Odessa

Google map

Accessibility

Please note that as a historical site, the space does have some physical barriers.

History

In 1845, Odessa was host to a woolen fulling and carding mill, a sawmill, a grist mill, and a planing mill.
The mill was built in 1856 for Phillip and John Booth by the Saul Brothers, a firm of stonemasons.
Originally the mill was meant to be a grist mill but was never outfitted as such because the Grand Trunk Railway had been built the same year. This made cheaper flour available from larger mills in Toronto and Montreal.
Instead, the mill was used as part of the Booth family's woolen mill and later used for a variety of purposes including just storage.
In 1907, John Babcock acquired the mill and installed line shafts, pulleys, belts, and basket making equipment.
The Babcock Mill became the only water-powered mill used to make baskets and the baskets that John Babcock designed were known as "Better Baskets by Babcock".
John was granted two patents for his baskets, one in 1915 and another in 1919.
In 1926, the mill was redesigned and the energy generated used to power both the mill and a generator. At that time, the mill provided enough energy to power the village of Odessa!
Purchased by Loyalist Township in 1977, Babcock Mill was restored and opened as a museum to the public in 1985.
Aside from hosting school tours a few times a year, the mill was officially closed to the public in 1992.
The mill represents the technological evolution of power from water by waterwheels and water turbines, steam power, and electrical power.

Gallery

Photo Gallery: Babcock Mill and Park will appear here on the public site.