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Doors Open: Winthrop Introduction THE SMALL VILLAGE of Winthrop is at the crossroads of the North Line (County Rd 12) and the Winthrop Road (County Rd 17) in McKillop Township. The site was first settled in 1834 by the Goven-lock family. John Govenlock built a steam-powered sawmill in 1873 and a grist and flour mill next to his sawmill the next year. Also in 1874, Andrew Govenlock announced plans to build a grist mill at Winthrop, to be called Victoria Mill. In 1875, Andrew Govenlock opened a general store at his mills. A post office named Winthrop was opened in March, 1868. Before that, the community was called by a name variously spelled Ballabay, Ballie-bay, Bailey Bay or Bella Bay. Alex Murchie was the first postmaster. The post office closed in 1915. By 1879, in addition to the Govenlock mills, Winthrop had a store, a hotel, a Dominion telegraph office, a Presbyterian church, a school (S.S. #10), a tavern, two blacksmiths, a brickyard, and a cheese factory. In 1873, John Morrison started the Winthrop Cheese and Butter Factory, hiring an experienced cheesemaker, William Hill. Cheese made by Hill and Morrison won first prize at the Central Fair in Guelph in 1875. In 1880, 9¢ a gallon was paid for milk, cheese sold for 11¢/lb, butter for 25¢/lb. Site Submissions Cavan Church Location: Winthrop Year built: 1907 Residents of Winthrop petitioned the Presbytery of Huron in 1875 and a congregation was formed with Rev. T.G. Thompson as minister. A frame church was built at this time. The cornerstone of the present brick church was laid in 1907. more... Winthrop General Store Location: Winthrop Year built: c. 1955 A "Wee Store" in Winthrop has served the local community for well over 100 years. Alex Murchie had a general store here in 1858 and ran the post office which opened in 1868. The store building itself has changed over the years, the present store being built around 1955. more...
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