October 5, 2024 Toronto, ON Parks Canada
Today, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the national historic significance of Penman Textile Mill at a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Penman Manor in Paris, Ontario. Penman Textile Mill, located in Paris, Ontario, was once the cornerstone of the Penman Manufacturing Company, Canada's largest producer of woollen knit goods at the end of the 19th century. Established in 1868 by John Penman, the mill's story illustrates the evolution of the textile industry in the region as well as broader trends in industrialization in Canada.
By 1887, the firm expanded to include a new mill across the Grand River. These developments along with the operation of other firms in the area established the Grand River Valley as the heart of the Canadian knit goods industry. Penman Textile Mill's early operations encompassed a broad array of yarn and knitwear production, and later evolved to specialize in hosiery. By the late 1890s, the mill had a significant impact on employment in the community, and in the early 1900s, a significant portion of the workforce was made up of unmarried British women who were recruited for their skill with hosiery machines and knitted fabric.
Founder John Penman acquired other mills in Ontario and Quebec before selling the firm which became Penmans Limited in 1906. In 1965, Penmans became part of the Dominion Textile Company. The Nith River mill was sold in 1970 and repurposed over the years, including being converted into a residential property in the early 2000s, which allowed for the preservation of the exterior architecture of the mill. Though this site no longer contributes to the manufacturing of textile goods, it remains a symbol of the industrial development which took place across Canada throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present.
