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

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.

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.