Dairy Barn

Statement of Significance

Brent's mill was the first grist mill in the district, and vital to its development. Both Brent and Dilworth give names to roads and geographical features. John Gervers was well-known for his bird carvings.

Place Description

This historic 1912 vernacular gable rafted Dairy barn is closely associated with the Fleming Property which was divided from the original Brent’s Mill estate. It was relocated from the original site at 2590 Harvey Ave. to the newly created Heritage Park at 2128 Leckie Pl. in 2002. It was installed on new concrete foundations which retain the orientation relationship with the Fleming House and Brent’s Grist Mill.

Heritage Value

In 1893 Frederick Brent had increased his land holdings to 2,000 acres and sold the property to J.T. Davis who in turn sold the estate to John Dilworth in 1900. In 1908 William Fleming purchased a portion of the property which contained the original Brent’s House and Grist Mill. Around 1912 the mill was converted by Fleming for use as dairy shed. The 800sf, 2 storey dairy shed is a surviving vernacular pioneer farm building associated to the Brent’s Grist Mill’s (later used as a dairy barn). Its likely purpose was to store milk in churns in the cool below grade basement prior to pick up.

Character Defining Elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Dairy Barn include:

-Form, scale and massing expressed by the one story structure set on a partially below grade basement
-1912 Vernacular 2 story gable roofed dairy shed with rural character
-Drop beveled siding
-Located in a wooded setting, close to Mill creek with large trees.
-Oriented to maintain original close relationship with Fleming House and Grist Mill