EPISODE 735 TEMPLIN FANNING MILLS, FERGUS, ONTARIO — FACTORY GIFT TO ONT. AGRIC. MUSEUM
alan skeoch
february 7, 2023
Templin Manufacturing Company, Fergus, Ont., circa 1890
Templin Manufacturing Company,, circa1900
Replica Templin Manufacturing Company (circa 1970), Milton , ontario
SUNNY AFTERNOON ABOUT 1970
“Just down the hill was the Templin Factory, Alan” said aunt Greta (Skeoch) Metcalfe one sunny afternoon
“Right here in Fergus?”
‘Yes, now the Howes and Reeves Garage Repair shop.”
“That was where Perfection Fanning Mills were made,”
“I believe the factory is still there…on the second and third floors…untouched
for decades….access only by a ladder.”
‘Do you think Mr. Reeves would let me climb the ladder?”
“I believe so…I will come with you.”
Aunt Greta Skeoch Metcalfe was about 80 years old at the time we spoke, My dad’s
oldest of four sisters…keeper of the family records…sharp as a tack.
I climbed the ladder first, pushed open the trap door. Aunt Greta followed but only
head and shoulders exposed to the site. What we behind was heart stopping. There before
us was the Templiin Manufacturing Company…intact. Like Miss Havisham’s cake
in Dickens ‘Great Expectations’. Everything in place but coveedi in half a century
of dust. My boots left a trail from station to station where the Perfection Fanning
Mills were assembled. Shelves along the walls contained the inventory…the parts
stations in line … ready for assembly.
What should I do? What could I do?
“Mr. Reeves, I have an idea for you to consider. Bob Carbert is the manager of the
new Ontario Agricultural Museum on the outskirts of Milton. I am a director…along
with many others. Maybe we could find a home for the old Templin Factory,”
“Sounds fine to me. Nobody other than you and your aunt have shown any interest.”
And so for the next few week ends we moved the factory to our farm while
Bob Carbert built a replica factory on the Museum grounds. The end result
was marvellous as you can see below.
Unfortunately Bob Carbert retired and the whole site of the Agricultural Museum
fell into neglect. Many tried to resuscitate the site but government support was minimal.
Museums are loss leaders. They do not make a profit. Visitors come once or twice
and then get on with their real lives.
Museum managers try to change this pattern of neglect. Try and try and try.
I suppose there are only a few people who want to climb that museum ladder
to see the dust covered reminders of past lives.
As to the replica Templin Fanning Mill Factory, it remains. Closed. Perhaps
covered in the dust of the past couple of decades.
The pictures below were taken when the replica factory was first opened.
Makes me sort of weepy.
alan skeoch
Feb, 7, 2023
Perhaps the Wellington County Museum might start to pay attention,