Markham Register of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

Address: 4130 19TH AVE Original Address: Property Legal Description: CON 5 PT LOT 31 Historical Name: Almira Mill House Heritage Conservation District: Ward: 6 Year Built: c.1855 Architect Style: Regency Heritage Status of Property: Part IV (Individual) Designation Bylaw: 2023-171 Heritage Easement Agreement: No         History Description Benjamin Bowman was a native of Derry, Ireland, who came to Canada with his brothers James and Robert in 1823. He first lived in Niagara then moved to York County in 1826. By 1837, Benjamin Bowman was living on Lot 31, Concession 5, a Clergy Reserve lot. He built a woolen mill on Bruce Creek in 1844 and later added a flouring mill. In its day, the Almira Mill was the only one of its kind in the province. By the late 1850s, Benjamin Bowman was a merchant and the local postmaster, owning and operating the Almira General Store across the road from the mill. His son, John Bowman, ran the mill after his father’s death in 1862. The family home was likely constructed c.1855 after Benjamin Bowman received the Crown patent for the mill property.   Contemporary Photograph Heritage Photograph         Key Map Please note that the yellow polygon symbol is not indicative of the actual heritage area and is only meant to highlight the property the heritage building(s) is located at. For a complete description of the actual heritage property please refer to the Designation Bylaw found above.

© Corporation of the City of Markham