Did you know one of the earliest tide mills in the area was located on the estuary of Wilson’s Stream? The Dennys River Historical Society is inviting the public to join a tour to visit this early industrial site. It is marked on a hand drawn survey of Townships 1 and 2 prepared by Rufus Putman for General Benjamin Lincoln, when he was considering purchasing the land for settlement immediately following the American Revolution.
Participants will learn about the original builder, Robert Wilson, a veteran of the Seven Year’s War, who settled in this area by the early 1770’s and operated a cross-border business with his home on Campobello Island. Discover the origins of the Dennysville Tide Mill Company, which later located on this site in 1832, run by a group of local entrepreneurs including Ebenezer C. Wilder, Daniel Kilby, William Kilby, Jr., John Kilby, Bela R. Reynolds, William Mayhew, Jr., and Ebenezer C. Wilder, Jr.
As time and tide allow the tour will take in several tide mill sites in and around Cobscook Bay. Following the visit, we will travel to the site of Robert Wilson’s grave on Leighton’s Neck in Pembroke and enjoy a picnic lunch at the Reversing Falls Park. Bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes, your picnic lunch, and a chair of your choice.
