The Tour

Your group of 20 or more are invited to our old Mill Village for a full tour and delicious home cooked luncheon served in Woodlawn, our 1861 Octagonal Cottage.The house was built in 1861 and was in danger of being lost to decay when a local citizens group became interested. The house was moved from Milldale and restored. Located at the west end of the village,it now resides on an historical site once occupied by a Quaker meeting house and between two genealogically interesting cemeteries. It is now used as an adult community center and is ideal for small family events.

Early Black Settlement

In 1982 during the 175th celebrations of the community, a plaque was placed at the African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery to commemorate the Black Settlement of freed families who made their homes in this area. At one time the group was large enough to maintain a school and a church. When the slaves were freed after the American civil war many returned to the U.S.A. ,others left later for urban centers to find employment. (more . . . pictures)

Saint John's Church

This impressive gothic style building is the result of the generous bequest of a local family who came in 1845. The Bullocks invented the first carpet sweeper and produced them in a factory, which later became the Otterville Manufacturing Company, producing numerous items sold nationwide The Anglican church and rectory were built as a memorial to the parents Catherine and Edward Bullock. During a tour the organist is present to play the Casavant organ. The church contains many beautiful stained glass windows.

Otterville Mill

Built in 1845 by Edward Bullock The mill is run by water power supplied by a dam on the river. The South Norwich Historical Society, on a lease basis, maintains this historic site and offers tours on request. A beautiful setting in the center of the village, the mill and its surrounding meadow is the site of an annual barbecue.

G.T.R.Station Museum and Blacksmith Shop

The South Norwich Historical Society has restored this 1875 Station to its state as a 1881 Grand Trunk Railway station. The waiting room and office are restored authentically, the baggage room is an interpretation room for displays of the area's history. Permanent displays feature railway construction of the 1880's with many artifacts of all periods. The Underground Railroad and early Black settlement of the area is another highlight, plus the story of our early Quaker heritage.

The Blacksmith Shop is a replica of an early Springford blacksmith enterprise, whose owner also moved many buildings in the area at the turn of the 20th Century. This equipment, plus the first oil heating system for curing tobacco, provides interest to our visitors. The site is open to the public by appointment.

Both buildings are wheel chair accessible.