BALACLAVA

Location BALACLAVA Database location #1 Public Location

Author Created by ontarioabandonedplaces (CONTACT) This member has donated. Creation Date: 1/1/2006 Last Photos Uploaded: 1/1/2006

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Balaclava began as a mill town built on Constant Creek in 1855. By 1860 a blacksmith shop, hotel and homes were added. The mill was acquired by the Richards family in 1868 who operated the mill for the next 91 years. The mill was rebuilt in 1936 after a good deal of the original mill was destroyed by fire. A sawdust burner was added around 1903 to comply with anti-pollution legislation. Up until this time, the owners of the mill simply dumped their sawdust into the river. In 1957, David Dick took over the mill however the supply of timber was very much depleted and the mill was only producing a few thousand board feet a year (compare this with one million board feet a week at the mill's peak). In 1959, the mill was shut down and the store closed(?). Balaclava isn't totally isolated however, the mill is just east off of a highway (formerly the Opeongo Colonization Road). The owner of the mill is threatening to demolish the mill if people continue to trespass upon the property! This is a warning to you all. Location: Turn North from Dacre (Highway 132) onto Scotch Bush Rd (County Rd. 513). A sign announces your arrival. Map

Options Geocaches Comments There are no comments for this location. A side view of the mill. The store Sawdust burner Inside the mill Notice the rushing water. The rock fence (time consuming to build) An old rock fence An old structure beyond the main road Old cabin, now used seasonally Note old water pump. The other side of the mill. Thanks to the following people [/] Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the terms outlined in the Disclaimer. (C) 2010