Painting of historic 1867 grist mill to be part of homecoming auction

Chair Bill Smith had a surprise waiting for everyone at the end of the Clifford Homecoming 2017 meeting on April 9 at the Knox United Church in Clifford.

Over the winter months, Margaret Reidt of Harriston painstakingly painted the former village grist mill in detail onto a large canvas. She used the photo of the feed mill from a 1977 calendar when the mill was owned by Hartley McHarg.

She added teams of horses and wagons and a mill operator.

Wright revealed the framed print with an attached brass plaque that read “Clifford Feed Mill, built 1867.”

She donated her winter project to the silent auction to be held in conjunction with the Homecoming New Year’s Eve dance.

The grist mill is at the centre of the 150th anniversary of Confederation as the rafters to the mill were erected on July 1, 1867 by members of the community. Information and photos were forwarded to the federal government in hopes of obtaining a grant to help with homecoming celebrations.

The volunteers also enjoyed another exciting moment when a photo was circulated sharing a glimpse of homecoming quilt.

In other business, John Kruspe became a member of the historical committee and Rita Regier accepted the position as chair of the decoration committee.

A volunteer social is in the planning stages as well as a volunteer recruitment seminar. Hundreds of volunteers will be needed to create a successful event.

Sponsorship is still being pursued and monetary donations are being accepted.

Other items are being accepted for the silent auction to be held in December. Recipes and stories are still needed for the cookbook.

The next meeting will be held May 14 at 9am sharp at the Knox United Church in Clifford.