Parks Canada Unveils Plaque to Highlight Penman Textile Mill’s National Historic Value in Paris

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recently commemorated the national historic significance of the Penman Textile Mill with a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Penman Manor in Paris, Ontario. Once a key part of Canada’s booming textile industry, the Penman Textile Mill played a pivotal role in shaping the local economy and the broader industrial landscape of the country.

Founded in 1868 by John Penman, the mill became the cornerstone of the Penman Manufacturing Company, which emerged as Canada’s largest producer of woollen knit goods by the late 19th century. The mill’s journey reflects both the growth of the textile industry in southern Ontario and the broader trends of industrialization in Canada.

By 1887, Penman had expanded operations, opening a second mill across the Grand River. This growth, along with the presence of other local firms, positioned the Grand River Valley as the epicenter of Canada’s knit goods industry. In its early years, the Penman Textile Mill produced a wide range of yarn and knitwear, before later specializing in hosiery. By the late 1890s, the mill had become a major source of employment in the area, particularly attracting unmarried British women, who were highly skilled in operating hosiery machines and knitting fabrics.

The company continued to expand under John Penman, acquiring additional mills across Ontario and Quebec before being sold in 1906 and becoming Penmans Limited. In 1965, Penmans became part of Dominion Textile Company. The mill, located by the Nith River, was eventually sold in 1970. Though its days of textile production ended, the mill building has been repurposed over the years, including its transformation into a residential property in the early 2000s, ensuring the preservation of its architectural heritage.

While the Penman Textile Mill no longer operates, it stands as a symbol of the industrial growth that defined Canada in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site serves as a reminder of the transformative power of industry in shaping communities and the nation at large.

Through commemorations like this, the Government of Canada, via Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, aims to honor the significant people, places, and events that have shaped the country. These stories help Canadians connect with their past, encouraging reflection on the diverse histories and legacies that define Canada today.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada “Today’s commemoration of the Penman Textile Mill highlights the pivotal role of Canada’s textile industry in shaping our economic and social landscape. As we unveil this plaque, we honour not only the ingenuity of John Penman but also the workers whose skill and dedication powered the growth of this region and the country. This place stands as a reminder of the legacy of Canadian industrialization, and through preserving these stories, we continue to connect Canadians to the diverse and rich history of our nation.”