A Diamond in the Rough: Restoring O’Hara

“Logically, we know stepping back in time isn’t possible. But at the O’Hara Mill Homestead in Madoc, Ontario, it seems like it just might be.

When walking through the rural setting of the homestead visitors can see a fully restored sawmill with a dam and covered bridge, a log house, school, carpenter and blacksmith shops, and much more. Visitors step back into the 1800’s and experience agriculture as it was.”

A member of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph spent a day exploring the grounds with Father O’Hara himself, Dave Little (volunteer).

After hearing a rumour that the local conservation authority, which owns the homestead, was planning on abandoning the buildings, he decided to take action. 19 years later, Dave and a group of local volunteers have passionately restored the homestead it’s buildings, saw mill, gardens and 85 acres of hiking trails.

To read the full story of Dave Little and his pioneering of the O’Hara Volunteers Association, and their road to restoring the O’Hara homestead click the button below.

Thank you to Stephanie Craig and the OAC for their interest in capturing and sharing this story.