The Hastings County Historical Society, in partnership with the Trent Port Historical Society and the City of Quinte West, recognized Gilmour Lumber Company with a historical plaque ceremony today. The plaque is located on the Riverfront Trail near the Bob Wannamaker Amphitheatre in Centennial Park.
In 1852, Gilmour and Company constructed a sawmill at Trent Port along the Bay of Quinte. David Gilmour arrived in Trenton in 1879 to take over the mill operation, both expanding and mechanizing the business to take advantage of the plentiful supply of trees that made its way down the Trent River. The Gilmour Mill had significant economic and employment impacts on the expansion of Trenton, becoming the largest sawmill in the world.
This is the second in a series of three heritage plaque ceremonies honouring Quinte West’s history. The first ceremony in June celebrated Central Bridge Company, and the third ceremony will honour Bleeker’s Ferry at RiverFront Square in September.