ANTEN MILLS
by Dennis Gannon
Sep 7, 2025
150 years. 1,800 months. 782 weeks. 54,788 days. Unofficially that is how long we, Anten Mills, have been a community. The exact day and date that settlers came to our area and made this their home is not known. What we do know is that in 1875, 150 years ago, a school was started to provide those who lived in the surrounding area an education. That school, long gone but replaced in 1891 by the building we now call our community centre, established our village. For 93 years a school provided the basic education and was the hub of the region. It provided the foundation as the village grew. This Saturday, September 13, we celebrate the fact that we have been a community for 150 years and we are having a special celebration that everyone is welcome to attend.
When the brainstorming meetings were held, those who have lived here for sometime recalled the family fun days that were held on the second Saturday in September after the children had returned to school. Discussed as well was the reunion in 1968 when over 400 former students descended on the school grounds to reminisce about the past. The decision was made that to celebrate our 150 years the day should be part family fun day, part reunion and part celebration and that’s what it is going to be.
Anten Mills Celebrating 150 Years will begin at 2PM with opening ceremonies. At that time congratulatory messages will be heard along with a special ceremony to begin the afternoon. The community centre, which has undergone a facelift will be officially reopened at that time. The hall, historically designated by the Township of Springwater, has many of the original building features visible. The work the township did replicates what the ceiling and floor likely looked like in the past. Inside the building there will be displays about our past curated by members of the 150 committee. Visible will be the sign in board from the former students who attended the reunion with some signatures going back to the 1800’s. That sign board the committee hopes to imitate as there will be a registration table. It is hoped that current and former residents will provide some basic information on when and where they lived in the village. It will become a visual reminder of our history.
Outside there will be lots more activity. A kids zone has been created. There will be face painting, craft making, a bouncy castle and a great rock climbing wall. For the adults a fun cornhole tournament is going to be part of the day. Entertainment is also going to be part of the celebration. In the early part of the afternoon local entertainers will be demonstrating their talents. Later on Stir it Up, a local band with many years of performance will take the stage rocking us with their music from the past. History from the 1875 era will be remembered as the Simcoe County Museum will be on hand with period dressed interpretive staff with games and artifacts. Food will be available to satisfy your needs along with an ice cream bar. The annual Christmas in the Village fireworks show is one that is the best around. The finale of the day will be a show that is twice the size and one which will be remembered as it lights up the sky.
Remembering the day and our history will be easy as the short stories of our past that Brian Keyes penned are going to be available in the booklet that has been published. Also available for sale will be different clothing as well as smaller items such as coffee mugs, tote bags and tumblers all at a reasonable price.
Anten Mills Celebrating 150 will be an opportunity to celebrate our past, see our friends who have moved away and make new ones. Bring your camera or phone. Bring your photo albums. Share our memories. Let’s make it a day to remember for the next 50 years! 
Following the 150 celebration the next big event will be the Anten Mills Artisan Craft and Food Fair on Saturday, September 27. The fair is well worth the visit as there are over 30 different vendors registered to participate. They will bring a large variety of goods which will interest many. The fair is under the pavilion in the hall and along the pathway. For the second year there will be a Chilli Cookoff. Do you have the best chili? Then this is your chance to have others agree. More details are available on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page. Remember to bring your appetite that morning as well. Back again this year is the popular 2 Tonnie Pancake Breakfast in support of the Elmvale and District Food Bank. You get 2 huge pancakes and 2 delicious sausages along with the fixings for 2 Tonnies.
A quick reminder that Knotty Knitters will start up again on Tuesday, September 16. They have a new time slot starting at 1:30 and going to 3:30. This is a great social group who do much for those in need. All are welcome to join in.
That’s all for this week. I hope to see you, your family and friends on Saturday as we celebrate our history. For now, THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.