Sunday, October 6, 2024 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. Founded in 1868 by John Penman, the mill became the cornerstone of the Penman Manufacturing Company, which emerged as Canada’s largest producer of woollen knit goods by the late 19th century.
The mill’s journey reflects both the growth of the textile industry in southern Ontario and the broader trends of industrialization in Canada. By 1887, Penman had expanded operations, opening a second mill across the Grand River. This growth, along with the presence of other local firms, positioned the Grand River Valley as the epicenter of Canada’s knit goods industry.
In its early years, the Penman Textile Mill produced a wide range of yarn and knitwear, before later specializing in hosiery. By the late 1890s, the mill had become a major source of employment in the area, particularly attracting unmarried British women, who were highly skilled in operating hosiery machines and knitting fabrics. The company continued to expand under John Penman, acquiring additional mills across Ontario and Quebec before being sold in 1906 and becoming Penmans Limited.
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