TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2024
/CNW/ - Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments
Board of Canada commemorated the
national historic significance of Penman Textile Mill at a special
plaque unveiling ceremony at Penman Manor in Paris, Ontario. Penman Textile Mill, located
in Paris, Ontario, was once the
cornerstone of the Penman Manufacturing Company, Canada's largest producer of woollen knit
goods at the end of the 19th century. Established in 1868 by
John Penman, the mill's story
illustrates the evolution of the textile industry in the region as
well as broader trends in industrialization in Canada.
By 1887, the firm expanded to include a new mill across the
Grand River. These developments along with the operation of other
firms in the area established the Grand River Valley as the heart
of the Canadian knit goods industry. Penman Textile Mill's early
operations encompassed a broad array of yarn and knitwear
production, and later evolved to specialize in hosiery. By the late
1890s, the mill had a significant impact on employment in the
community, and in the early 1900s, a significant portion of the
workforce was made up of unmarried British women who were recruited
for their skill with hosiery machines and knitted fabric.
Founder John Penman acquired
other mills in Ontario and
Quebec before selling the firm
which became Penmans Limited in 1906. In 1965, Penmans became part
of the Dominion Textile Company. The Nith River mill was sold in
1970 and repurposed over the years, including being converted into
a residential property in the early 2000s, which allowed for the
preservation of the exterior architecture of the mill. Though this
site no longer contributes to the manufacturing of textile goods,
it remains a symbol of the industrial development which took place
across Canada throughout the
19th and early 20th centuries.
The Government of Canada,
through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of
Canada, recognizes significant
people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of
helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories
with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on
the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of
Canada's past and present.
The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of
Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations.
To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community,
please visit the Parks Canada website for more information:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application.
Quotes
"Today's commemoration of the Penman Textile
Mill highlights the pivotal role of Canada's textile industry in shaping our
economic and social landscape. As we unveil this plaque, we honour
not only the ingenuity of John
Penman but also the workers whose skill and dedication
powered the growth of this region and the country. This place
stands as a reminder of the legacy of Canadian industrialization,
and through preserving these stories, we continue to connect
Canadians to the diverse and rich history of our nation."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of
Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks
Canada
Quick Facts
- Penman Textile Mill was designated as a national historic site
in 1989.
- Following a fire in 1874, John
Penman constructed a 4-storey mansard roofed brick mill
building, along with other mill buildings, which came to be known
as Penman's No. 1 Mill.
- The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating Penman Textile
Mill will be unveiled in Paris,
Ontario, located on the lands and territory of the
Anishinaabeg, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First
Nation, the Haudenosaunee, including the Six Nations of the Grand
River, and the traditional territory of the Attiwonderonk. Today,
Paris is home to many First
Nations and Métis peoples.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of
Canada advises the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance
of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. To date, more than 2,250
designations have been made nationwide.
- Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of
national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's
National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important
stories are shared with Canadians.
- Parks Canada is committed to
working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more
inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this
goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a
comprehensive and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives,
including shedding light on tragic and difficult periods of
Canada's past.
Related Documents
Backgrounder: Penman Textile Mill
Related Links
Parks Canada
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
