John R. Barber and the Credit River Dynamo
Text from the plaque
In 1854, brothers William, James, Joseph and Robert Barber, prominent manufacturers in the Credit Valley, established a paper mill here. Within a few years it had become an important producer of fine rag paper. Fifteen years later, James acquired sole ownership of the mill; soon afterwards it came under his son John's control. John Roaf Barber was an innovative manager who substantially increased the mills production by employing new technology. He equipped the mill to manufacture wood pulp and, in 1888, installed a dynamo to supply additional power. This power plant was reputedly the first in Canada to produce hydro-electric power for use in industrial production. The stone ruins of the dynamo building are still standing, about three kilometres downstream.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The Region of Halton
The Town of Halton Hills
In Georgetown, on Maple Avenue
a short distance from River Drive
N 43 39.665 W 79 54.527
Recorded December 2010. Check current access before visiting.
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