The Paris Wincey Mills were a group of textile mills located in Paris, Ontario. The mills were founded in the early 1800s and were a major contributor to the town’s economy for over a century.
The Paris Wincey Mills was founded by brothers William and James Dunlop, who came to Paris from Scotland in 1810. The brothers built the first mill on the banks of the Grand River in 1819 and began producing a type of fabric known as wincey, which was made from wool and cotton.
Over the next several decades, the Paris Wincey Mills grew and expanded, adding more mills and increasing their production. By the mid-19th century, the mills were the largest employers in Paris and were a major contributor to the town’s economy.
The Paris Wincey Mills continued to thrive until the early 20th century when competition from other textile producers and the effects of World War I led to a decline in the industry. The mills were eventually closed in the 1920s, and the buildings were demolished in the 1960s.
Today, the site of the Paris Wincey Mills is a park and heritage center, where visitors can learn about the history of the mills and their role in the town’s development. The heritage center features exhibits, displays, and artifacts that tell the story of the mills and their workers.
Overall, the Paris Wincey Mills were an important part of the town’s history and economy. Their legacy lives on in the park and heritage center that now occupies the site of the former mills.