Blakeney’s heritage showcased in new interpretive plaque

SUBMITTED

A tribute to the industrious spirit that shaped the village of Blakeney now lives on through a new interpretive plaque.

Mississippi Mills Mayor, Christa Lowry and members of Council unveiled the historical plaque, recently installed in Blakeney Park, on Tuesday, July 29. 

The plaque is a project of the Celebrating Ramsay Bicentennial Working Group, identified as part of Mississippi Mills Bicentennial celebrations in 2023. It was funded through a Legacy Grant the Municipality received from the Government of Canada.

“The Mississippi River once powered a thriving hub of mills, shops and community life in the village of Blakeney. This plaque serves as a map of memories, marking how this area grew into a vibrant settlement,” said Mayor Lowry. “I hope it inspires curiosity, pride and a deeper connection to the land and people who came before us.”

The plaque showcases Blakeney’s (formerly known as Norway Pine Falls, Snedden’s Mills and Rosebank) bustling past in the mid-1800s, highlighting the McDougal Woolen Mill and the timber slide built by Alexander Snedden. The slide allowed logs travelling on the Mississippi River to bypass the rapids. A map also points out other historical landmarks such as The Bay, livery stable and flour and grist mill. 

Special thanks to the Celebrating Ramsay Bicentennial Working Group for identifying this project, as well as Ramsay Women’s Institute members Marilyn Snedden and Jean MacPherson, for their research and Jill Moxley, who wrote text for the plaque. Thank you to Paul Laforce, Vice President of the Almonte Fish & Game Association, who handled the installation. The Almonte Fish & Game Association has been maintaining Blakeney Park for over 35 years. 

The historical plaque serves as a companion to the Village of Blakeney Walking Tour, another Bicentennial initiative.

“This plaque is about bringing Blakeney’s history to life,” said Blakeney native Marilyn Snedden, who was also a member of the Bicentennial working group. “As a child, I remember swimming in the Mississippi River and sneaking cheese curds from the Rosebank cheese factory. I am proud to be involved in a project that will revive and preserve interest in our important heritage.”

SOURCE: Mississippi Mills: Blakeney’s Heritage Showcased in New Interpretive Plaque