HISTORIC HOUSES IN THE TOWNSHIPS

Welcome to our newest webpage where we hope to celebrate the colourful history of  life in the Townships of Belmont, Marmora and Lake and Rawdon.

If you have a story to tell about a house in Belmont, Marmora or Lake Township or in the Village of Deloro,  be sure  to send it along and add photos if possible.     

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THE RICHARD BRIGGS HOME and Briggs-Bonter Saw Mill

Information received from Dorothy Grant

Exactly when Richard and his wife, Mary, came from England, and exactly when they took up the land in Marmora Twp. is unknown. In 1877 Richard Briggs leased a portion of it to James Brown for 7 years at $90.00 per year. The question comes up since Richard and Mary were married in Prince Edward County in 1838 and do not appear on the 1842 or 1851 census in that County. Possibly they may have 'squatted' (a very common practice) until they wanted to do something with the land in a legal way and then registered it.

 The Brigg's family homestead in Marmora Twp., was located on Lot 19, in the 5th Concession, and consisted of 200 acres. Beaver Creek runs through this property, and Richard and his sons Issac and John built and operated a large saw mill on the creek. In 1897 the Mill and Farm were sold to William Bonter and his family, and they operated the mill until it was struck by lightening and burned on 1918. There is still some of the foundation standing. In order to get to the actual spot where the mill stood, you have to go down to the 6th Concession which peters out at someone's gate, and then walk some distance through the woods and cross the creek on the bridge. If you enter from the 5th concession, you must pass up Bonters laneway, past the house that Richard Briggs built.

 As well as serving the area as a Sawmill, the Briggs were well known for their quality Cheese boxes which were mostly taken down to Belleville to the larger cheese factory's there.

Richard Briggs was a Cabinetmaker by trade and it was stated that he was entitled to add "cabinetmaker to the Queen" to his trademark.

In 1897, the property was sold by John Briggs to William Bonter.

Marmora Herald May 10, 1906 “Master Earl Wells, son of Mrs. Henry Wells, met with an accident on Monday last. While working in Mr. Bonter’s saw mill, the little fellow had one of his toes cut off with a saw.”

Home of Richard Briggs, born c.1815 - d.1891, and later Isaac Briggs b.1850 - d.1922- Lot 19, Conc. 5, Twp of Marmora

 Scott Richardson wrote: Amy and I have owned this property for 3 years now and we have been looking for any information that may be out there.

Karen Gravelle: My grandparents owned the white cottage on the opposite side of the falls. They owned it since about the 1950s. It was given to my grandmother from her uncle Snider. My father assisted building the bridge going over the falls. My uncle Gary Martin would know more.

James Robert Martin: I remember all three bridges being built. Liked playing around the mill when I was a kid. Great place for catching snakes, sunning themselves on the concrete.

THE BRIGGS-VANVOLKENBURG HOUSE -    LOT 20, CONCESSION 1, MARMORA TWP - 2405 Cordova Rd

We were fortunate enough to be contacted by Jane Bonney,  who purchased this house and has restored it to a former glory with period fixtures and furnishings.  Wayne Vanvolkenburg,  who, as a boy,  knew the house, took a tour back in time and provided us with a little history.

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THE LAYCOCK HOUSE

645 STATION ROAD

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