ANTEN MILLS 150 Years
Aug 24, 2025 – If you ask an adult resident of Anten Mills what they envision for the next 50 years you might get some puzzling looks. Therefore, I wanted to hear what the next generation had to say, so I sat down to listen to what they had on their mind. My first question was what they liked about the village. My second question, in the future would they move back to the village and finally what will Anten Mills look like in 2075?
My first family was a brother/sister in their late teens. They liked the village because it was small, friendly and relaxing. It has a great balance of social/athletic activities especially built around different holidays. 0f special note was the trail system for biking/running which is right on our doorstep. Reasons for moving back included the attraction of spacious lots with plentiful trees. Another reason to move back was the feel of neighbourhood and presence of old souls in some of the established areas. In 2075 they concluded there would either be no cars or we would have flying cars. There will be a medium sized grocery store and a sit down restaurant here in the village. They believed Anten Mills will retain its village spirit and style plus have a dedicated basketball, tennis and pickleball facility.
My next family were two young ladies between the ages 5-10. Their favourite part of the village was the fact that they know all the people plus neighbours say hello and/or wave with a smile. This next comment was somewhat unexpected revealing they liked the magnificent fresh water we have. They disagreed on moving back with little sis telling she loves this “beautiful little village” and would move back here even if her Mom/Dad didn’t live here. On the other hand her older sister said she would live in the area but not necessarily Anten Mills. On the final question they predicted more subdivisions for growth and less trees. They also said people will not have mobile phones forcing them to talk to each other more.
My last family was two young ladies in their early teens. They told me that the village is safe and the people are the main attraction here. They thought it was special that we had places to toboggan. In terms of returning to the village, the younger sister was quite certain she would move away to the USA while her older sister was 100% sure she would live here in the village and participate in village activities. These sisters had a wide range of views on the final question. The older sister thought maybe there would be minimal growth with the village remaining much as it looks now. Her younger sibling forecast a McDonalds and Starbucks on Horseshoe with a mall featuring specialty shops. She also believed that some of the older homes would be demolished and replaced with new homes. They disagreed on whether this village would be part of Springwater Township or the City of Barrie!
This is my final edition of history articles for Anten Mills. Thank you to all the families/individuals who have set aside their time to sit down and share so many amazing stories. Finally, I am looking forward to seeing folks on Saturday, September 13th from 2-8 PM at our Anten Mills 150 celebration. The day will feature a program, food, music and activities. Our history group will be inside our newly renovated community hall to greet you, so bring your family and drop by!
ANTEN MILLS – by Dennis Gannon
Aug 24, 2025 -After a significant time without rain, we received several over 1 inch downfalls in the past several weeks. The rain was much welcome along with the cooler weather. With the rain the fire ban has been lifted and our wells return to a seasonal level.
After almost a year of planning, the day that we celebrate our 150 years as a community is almost here. What started as a request to Springwater Council to restore the bell tower and bell at the community centre blossomed into an event that won’t likely be seen for at least another 25 or even 50 years.
On Saturday, September 13 the Anten Mills Celebrating 150 Years comes to life at our community centre. The committee that has worked diligently over the past 12 months had a vision. That vision was to celebrate our past and look forward to our future. Should it be a reunion? Perhaps a homecoming. How about the family fun day of years past. The decision, make it a celebration that is part reunion, part family fun day and part party. Work began in earnest and was divided up through the working group. A logo was required. After reviewing several submissions a former resident who grew up in the village devised the logo proudly flying throughout the village and featured in this publication. Entertainment was needed. Stir it Up a local band with a great sound featuring music from the past was selected. What about stories about our community, those who lived here and how we came about. Brian Keyes has done a fantastic job. He interviewed and spoke with many people. Brian created 18 stories that were published here in this paper and it got many people interested in our past. How do we fund it? A call went out and donors and advertisers have provided the funds necessary to make this a success. Is there a way to remember the day? Through the advertising and donors a memory booklet is going to be available featuring the short stories. As well, Celebrating 150 merchandise will be available that day and following.
This is but a short summary of the highlights of the day. Starting September 1 and up to the 13th, on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page you will see the Fun Facts posted every day. As well you see those who have helped make our day special through their advertising.
Saturday, September 13 beginning at 2PM. Make certain that you are here. Let your family know. Let your friends know. Let our former neighbours know and let’s Celebrate 150 Years of great community.
When our Celebrating 150 day is over, it will be time for the annual, Artisans, Crafters and Food Fair. This will be on Saturday, September 27. Some vendor space along the pathway is still available. If you are interested contact Roslyn by email, Farmview@on.Airbnb.com and she will help you out.
Knotty Knitters are still looking for knitting supplies and if you can help reach Joan by email at sweetgannon@gmail.com.
Work on Wilson is coming to an end. The disruption wasn’t too bad and the new pavement is welcomed. Remember the speed limit is 60 kilometres until the bottom of the hill.
Summer vacation is coming to a close and school begins on Tuesday. As children are excited they aren’t always watching traffic. School buses will be on the road and it’s important to remember to stop in plenty of time for them.
That’s it for this week. Enjoy the last long weekend of the summer. THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.