ANTEN MILLS – by Dennis Gannon
July 27, 2025 – The month of July was certainly an interesting month when it came to weather in our community. It has been a long time since we had numerous heat warnings and temperatures above seasonal. When it comes to rain it has been dry. Only 25.65 millimetres or 1.01 inches has fallen as of Sunday according to the CoCoRahs weather station reports. This is obviously far short of normal. While gardens may be suffering, vegetables seem to be enjoying this heat. The forecast for August when we normally have the Dog Days of summer with increased heat and humidity suggests that we will continue to see what we have experienced over the past month.
There is a perfect way for the kids to beat the heat next Wednesday, August 6. That’s when the August movie night under the pavilion takes place. To help the kids cool off, the incredible volunteer firefighters from Springwater Fire and Emergency Services are going to be at the community centre with their Hot Summer Night program. Firefighters will have their trucks there for everyone to see, have some water challenges and of course, weather permitting, getting the kids wet from the spray of the fire hose. Firefighters will also be available to provide fire safety advice for those who need it. The movie that night is the most current edition of Lilo and Stitch. Activities begin at 6:45 PM with the firefighters and the movie will begin around 7:45. There is no admission and all that you need is your chairs, snacks, drinks and perhaps some dry clothes for the kids. It is going to be a fun night so plan on being there.
While the month of August is quiet in the community, September and October will be busy with a number of events. First on Saturday, September 13, Anten Mills Celebrating 150 is going to happen at the community centre. Anticipation is growing and a huge thanks to those who are supporting the event through sponsorship or donations. As the celebration booklet is being prepared for publication there is still some time to sponsor or donate so please contact by email the organizers at antenmills150@gmail.com to receive details. Then on Saturday, September 27 the annual Anten Mills Artisans Craft and Food Fair. This event began with the 50th anniversary of the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association and continues to a great success. Roslyn advises that there is still room for crafters around the pathway for those who are interested in participating. To get more information on participating, email Roslyn at farmview@on.aibn.com. For the second year there will be the Chili Cookoff. Following the introduction last year, the cookoff is back. Details on how to join in is available on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page. Also back this year is the very popular Two Tonnie Pancake Breakfast. While supplies last you get 2 sausages, 2 pancakes, great fixings and all for 2 Tonnies. This is in support of the Elmvale and District Food Bank. More details will be available as the event comes closer and will be posted on the Facebook page and in this column.
Come October there will be two more Halloween themed events, one for the adults and one for the kids. Stay tuned for more information.
While it may be a little warm for some outdoor activities you are reminded that there is a pickleball court at the multipurpose pad at the community centre. You will need to bring your own net and equipment and the pad is on a first come first serve basis. Early in the day and early evening are great times for playing so don’t forget that the court is available.
Construction on Wilson Dr from just south of the village to the first bridge has begun. There has been some frustration from residents as the road closed sign has been posted at Horseshoe and Wilson so those who are attempting to go travel south from one of the interior streets aren’t aware of the closure until they get to Binnie. Due to the extensive work that is to occur particularly at the hill, the construction will take sometime. Hopefully the road contractor and township will come up with a solution to alleviate the disruption that are currently occurring.
We are very fortunate that we have a large county forest and a trail system where we can enjoy some outdoor activities here in the community. Many walk or cycle along the North Simcoe Rail Trail. For those who might not be aware, the trail begins at Hwy 90 near Sunnidale Rd and is 31.7 kilometres in length ending in Elmvale where it joins the Tiny Township Trail. At the intersection of Hwy 26 the trail is located within the Minesing Station Park. At the park there is a bicycle station for minor repairs and resting. A bench at this location has been installed and dedicated to longtime resident Cliff Lilley who passed away in 2022. Cliff is remembered as a dedicated resident who contributed greatly to the community. It is a fitting tribute in his memory as he was an avid cyclist. If you travel the trail south stop at the park and take a break and remember Cliff.
That’s all for this week. Enjoy the Civic Day long weekend and THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.
ANTEN MILLS 150 Years – By Brian Keyes, July 27, 2025
It was in error to not mention that the Pine was the official tree for Vespra Township pre1994 in the June 5, 2025 edition of North Simcoe Springwater News. As well it should also be drawn to your attention the fact that the Lilac was the official flower of Vespra Township. Both of these items were featured on the Chain of Office which the Mayor wears while presiding in her official capacity. This was brought on with the recent burst of fragrances one could enjoy as you stepped outside during the blooming of the Lilac flowers in late May. If you have a lilac bush, enjoy! If not, they make a great addition to any garden and yard.
The newest street in Anten Mills is Davis Way running between Wilson Dr and Luella Blvd. It is named in honour of Alfred Edward Davis, a WW1 veteran born in Springwater. His name, Davis, A, is inscribed on the Cenotaph in Elmvale located next to the library as a veteran who paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life in 1916. He was 19 years of age.
There were three men from Anten Mills who died in WW1. They are remembered as Lewis Cole, John Muir and Stanley Reynolds. Nine men from Anten Mills served in WW2 fortunately without casualty. You can remember all those who served by attending the local Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11th each year at Springwater Provincial Park. The Cenotaph in the park was built by The Royal Canadian Legion branch called ‘Vespra 149’. It was formed by a group of WW1 veterans from the area in 1929. Vespra 149 was the only rural Legion branch in Canada at that time. The branch was headquartered down Nursery Road at the Reforestation blacksmith shop. The Cenotaph records ‘Lest We Forget 1914-1918, In Memory of the Vespra Boys Who Died In the Great War’. Vespra Legion Branch 149 disbanded in 1974 when membership dropped below 12 members.
Mark Twain once said “Golf is a good walk spoiled”. Alex Wilson of the William Wilson family farmed the west half of Lot 4 Concession 7 Vespra Township on the east side of Golf Course Rd. until 1943. In 1960 Charlie Wilson, who was no relation, bought the property. Charlie along with his wife and son built a 9-hole golf course on the site. They named it Vespra Valley Golf Course. Unfortunately in 1962 Charlie died but the family carried on until 1966 when the course was sold to a group of buyers. Claire and Mary Lou Whitton lived in the farmhouse on the property while they managed the course. In 1971 a group including Parker Adams, Jim Quinlan, Corby Adams as well as Claire Whitton bought the course, Claire was the greens keeper. With the purchase, the course was expanded to 18 holes and renamed Springwater Golf Course. The course has a unique layout with the North Simcoe Rail Trail bisecting the fairways while the hillside location provides a view of the Minesing Flats and Blue Mountains in the distance. A new owner, Arnold Lange took ownership in 1974. Along with his son Ed they built a new clubhouse in 1975. In 2003 David and Joyce Birimcombe took possession of the golf course from the Lange family. A significant course reconfiguration with the addition of several ponds and other challenges were completed in 2005. Nearly 500 new trees have been planted in addition to multiple flower beds to reduce the carbon footprint. Local golfers of all ages are fortunate to have this facility on their doorstep. Another piece of local history that many in the community enjoy.