Sandy Caldwell built a mill in the 1800s that employed over 50 men- but it was burned down twice by fire in 1888 and 1929 and was rebuilt each time on the original cement piers. Having given what they say is the old college try, the mill finally closed down in 1979.The Campbell General Store opened in 1901 and dutifully served the town until 1935. It has been documented that the Campbell General’s store was second to none with orders sent on the night train to Renfrew, with arrival of the items the very next morning. Now that is what you call service!
There was a Caldwell’s Mills post office that opened in 1883 but later in 1966 everything was moved to Clyde Forks. The railway station was nothing but an old box car with the undercarriage removed and seats bolted to the walls with an old box stove heating the place. On side was a waiting room and the other was reserved for freight. That incredible makeshift piece of architecture is a cottage somewhere in Lanark County. If anyone knows what happened to it– please let me know.
– CLYDE FORKS Lanark 1890s Caldwell Lumber Mill
Perth Courier, June 3, 1870
The body of the unfortunate girl Margaret Tullis who it will be remembered was drowned in the Mississippi River in April, was found last Monday by some raftsmen not over 25 yards from the bridge off which she had fallen and about ten feet of water. Her remains were interred in the Presbyterian burying grounds, Perth, on Tuesday following.
Another death by drowning in this neighborhood has just been related to us. A French Canadian named Eustache Cardinell, late resident of Darling was the victim. Deceased was in the employ of Abial(?) Marshall, Esq., of Darling, at Ramsay, driving saw logs down the Clyde and when about half way between Caldwell’s Mills and Bower’s old mill stand on Saturday last, he fell into the water and never reappeared on the surface alive. The unfortunate man could not swim a stroke and he went down like a shot after the took the plunge. His body was found the next day. He leaves a widow and five children to lament his early demise.
From Perth Remembered
Genealogy Notes for Jane Paul:
Jane was living at Caldwell’s Mills at the time of her mother’s death in 1905.
Marriage Notes for Jane Paul and R. McEwen:
At the time of Jane’s wedding to R. McEwen, she was living at Caldwell’s Mills.
Related Reading:
Sandy Caldwell King of the River Boys
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read.
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in Hometown News
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