Dawn Mills, Ontario

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For the neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, see Don Mills.

In 1837, William Taylor and James Smith erected a saw, grist and wool mill on the banks of the Sydenham River in Camden Township of Kent County, Ontario near Dresden, Ontario. Early residents at Dawn Mills who had to transport their produce by canoe to Detroit welcomed the new establishments with open arms. An early road was built here near the Sydenham River which connected the once sleepy mill settlements.

The town grew to six streets, three hotels, church and a store. The population was around 100.

In the 1860s the railway pulled into southern Ontario. Stations were built, and tracks were laid at the bigger (and also purpose-established) towns. Like many others in the region, Dawn Mills had her industries stolen and out-paced by the big businesses elsewhere. Soon, Dawn Mills became a good example of the modern southern Ontario ghost town. The post office closed in 1918.

The Church in Dawn Mills still stands, purchased by a Mennonite congregation in the 1960s. The general store and post office is now a home, as well as the church manse. The community is mainly farm-related now, and several notable residents such as the Elgie family have done their part to maintain the history of this community.