Item

Standard
Dec 25, 1844
Contract for a Frame of a Steam Mill.
We beg leave to call attention to the advertisement in this day’s impression, offering a contract for a frame of a “Steam Mill,” about to be erected in this Town. The object of the projectors of this undertaking is solely to increase the trade of the town and country; and the furnishing of cargoes at all seasons of the year, for the shipping belonging to the port. An engine of 40 horse power has been contracted for, with Messrs. Barlow and Co. of Saint John, which is to answer for both, a saw, and flour Mill; the first of which is expected to be in operation in June next. The advantages likely to accrue to this community, and in the country around, from the introduction of steam power, for the manufacture of lumber, the grinding of corn, etc., if prudently managed at the commencement, is scarcely to be estimated, and it is not too much to hope, that brighter prospects are before us, that the incoming year will prove a new era in the history of our town—the splendid locality of which is not surpassed in British America. Should our reasonable expectations be realized—in which so many feel a lively interest, the promoters of this undertaking will richly merit the reward of their enterprise, and the gratitude of their fellow townsmen. We wish them every success. [sounds like first steam powered engines not on boats

Standard
June 11, 1845
Mr. Editor,
I live in the country, and know but very little of the town, I visit it only once a month, or perhaps not more than once in six weeks, those visits I generally make upon what is commonly called the market day, as the country people repair in crowds to town, on Saturdays, to see their commodities, and buy their little necessaries.
            If the proverb be true that “a great city is a great evil,” you have not this to complain of, your town is not large, nor does it impose upon the country traveller by making a great show at a distance, a person on entering from the country can scarcely see it, till he finds himself in the midst of the hurry and bustle of the town. I believe it has quite a different appearance to one entering by water. But in justice to your town I must say that though it is small yet it is a very active place, all life and motion, the industrious farmer not only cultivating the town plots, with much taste and elegance, but also round the suburbs trusting the seeds to the bosom of the earth, securing favourable anticipations of a abundant harvest, these are never failing signs of industry and prosperity, mechanics and tradesmen are hard to work—shop keepers clean and neat hanging out their goods no doubt to induce the buyer and in fact all I saw with the exception of a few diplomatic gentlemen, who seemed to have nothing to do, were in some one way or other throwing in their weight in order to enliven the scene and promote the good of St. Andrews.
            I passed on to the Steam Saw Mill, and truly I might say with one of old “the one half was not told me,” it particularly charmed my attention and increased my astonishment. I tried to count the beams, posts, braces, etc., but this was a puzzle for I verily believe I might as well undertake to number the stars of the Milky Way. How thickly the pieces are planted in the frame, how ell they are mortised, and how neatly hey are jointed, surely think I to myself the man that framed it must have a head (as the saying is) as long as an Almanac maker—How imposing will be the sight when she is complete in all her appendages, her machinery all in motion, and the logs a turning into deals as if by magic, this will reply the enterprising company, an also reflect much credit on the chief builder as will as the mechanican. I don’t wish to tire my reader with a long letter; my intention in throwing these few hints is simply to induce some other pen better acquainted with the situation and prosperity, to enlarge on the subject in order to do ample justice to St. Andrews.
            As I reside in the country, I am therefore the more acquainted with its peculiarities, and intend in my next letter to give a short sketch of our leafy groves, verdant lawns, silvery lakes, and above all the gentle rolling breeze, which we have on the summer evenings, through the long twilight.
Yours etc., Septem

Standard
June 18/1845
Port busy; large number of vessels arrived, staple produce of country in demand, labourers receiving high wages and scarce--new wharves erecting, steam mill approaching completion. "May the present prospect of returning trade be realized."

Standard
July 16, 1845
Grist Mill. We learn that the enterprising proprietors of the Steam Saw Mill are making preparations to erect a Grist Mill, in connection with the steam saw mill, which will be worked by the same engine. There can be no question but that a grist mill in the Shiretown must prove a great convenience to the country around, and particularly to the inhabitants of West Isles and a part of SG, who frequently having other business to town, will find it of great advantage, to be able to get their grain manufactures without the trouble to which they have heretofore been subjected—satisfied of the importance of the undertaking, the C. C. Agricultural Society, a love to the interest of the farmers, have offered a handsome bonus, to be paid on the Mill’s going into active operation. “Speed to the Plough!”

Standard
Oct 7/1846
C. A. Babcock has decided to set a steam Grist Mill in operation. Bldg. adjoins rope walk.

Standard
June 16/1847
Oatmeal now being ground at C. A. Babcock's Grist Mill. 150 bushels per day.

Standard
Nov 17/1847
SA Iron Foundry--The new Foundry, recently erected in this place, by our spirited townsman, Mr. John Aymar, is now in operation. Several beautiful castings of stoves, wheels, etc., have just been executed at this establishment, which would do credit to any foundry. Let us encourage our own manufactures. There was not one steam engine in operation in this place in June, 1844, there are not less than 5 at present, in daily use,--one in each of the under mentioned establishments, viz.--the Steam Mills and Manufacturing Co., Messrs. J. and R. Jarvis Rope Walk, R. Stevenson's Tannery, C. A. Babcock's Flour Mill, and J. Aymar's Foundry--all of which are in active operation.

Standard
Sept 5, 1849
Steam Grist Mill up for bankruptcy auction.

Standard
May 31/1855
Steam Saw Mill for sale. Pagan Wharf, St. Andrews. 40 Horsepower. Drives two gangs. Edging and trimming saws included.

Standard
Feb 27/1861
Ref. to "the old steam mill on the Market Wharf."

Standard
July 6/1864
Grist Mill. C. A. Babcock. October 1846. Opening January 1847