Canadians and the Other War of 1812: 1812 Dinner Series with Major Grodzinski Canadians have been pretty focused on their own War of 1812 as of late, with the bicentennial fast approaching.  In Europe it’s a different war of the same name that has everyone talking – the War of 1812 that inspired an overture.

But did you know that Canadians fought in both 1812 wars?

Join Major John R. Grodzinski of the Royal Military College on Sunday, January 21, 2012 on an historical odyssey covering the battle of Waterloo, perhaps history’s most famous battle.

Using the lavish 1970 epic by Russian filmmaker Sergei Bondarchuck as a backdrop to his talk, Major Grodzinski will provide a brief overview of the Waterloo campaign, including the stories of several Canadians who fought in the battle, and examine the challenges and pitfalls of depicting history in film with references to the movie depicting Napoleon’s return to France and the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball, which was held on the eve of the campaign.

In Bondarchuck’s pre-CGI treatment of the 100 day campaign, over 16,000 Soviet soldiers were trained in 1815 style weapons drill and tactics, and represented the French, British, Dutch and German combatants. The cast included Rod Steiger as Napoleon, while Canadian Christopher Plummer played the Duke of Wellington. Everything about this film is spectacular.

Major John R. Grodzinski’s talk is part of the 1812 Dinner Series regularly hosted by the Spencerville Mill at the Red George Pub in Prescott. Join us for dinner or a drink, but be sure to reserve your space in advance – as there are only 20 spaces available.

Call the Red George at +1.613.925.8800 to save your place or visit www.celebrate1812.ca for more information.

We received a fair amount of media coverage over the news that the Mill might have an unseen resident. From the Brockville Recorder & Times to the EMC and JRFM, everyone wanted to know what the Prescott-based Spirit Quest Paranormal Society uncovered. There was some unusual some unusual activity - but perhaps the best way to find out is to visit the Mill yourself!

Our Fair Town Mirror is fresh off the press and available at the Village Pantry. With news about the Fall Fair and other happenings around town, you won't want to miss it!

Just in case you missed it in June, here's a repeat of our foray into the world of entertainment! 

It's a bit belated, but please find a thank you to all who worked hard in making the Heritage Fair a reality.

We will be updating the website shortly with next year's plans, but let's take a minute to acknowledge all the kind souls who were instrumental in bringing this event together.

For Immediate Release.

After a hard-fought battle on Facebook this week, the Spencerville Mill has finally determined the winners of the Heritage Fair Costume Competition. With initial categories for best dressed Man, Woman, and Business, an additional category was added for one special young man.

Best Dressed Man

The winner for Best Dressed Man, despite serious competition from such illustrious personages as the township's Mayor, was Mr. Michael Berk.

Sporting a custom-made period three-piece outfit, Mr. Berk scored 22 "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page. As winner of the Men's competition, he will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Watt's Small Engines in Spencerville.

Best Dressed Woman

In another tight race, event volunteer Cheryl Robertson narrowly won the Best Dressed Woman category for her home made costume. Mrs. Robertson very creatively altered modern clothes to appear as period dress.

For her efforts, Mrs. Robertson earned 10 "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page, beating her nearest competitor by just one vote. As winner of the Women's competition, she will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Willow Wheat Spa in Spencerville.

Best Dressed Business

Businesses in the village were invited to dress up - owners as well as employees. To the business that brought history most to life mention will be made in the Spencerville Mill's July calendar, published in both the EMC and Prescott Journal. The total value of the prize is approximately $120.

Rolande Theriault, owner of Seasonal Expressions, beat her nearest competitor, Carmichael's Horse & Carriage Furniture, with nine "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page.

Best Dressed Youth

While there had initially been no youth category, one was created largely due to the following entry. Sylas Courage, the sole representative of his Scout troupe, entertained the crowds at the Spencerville's Sedentary Militia Muster Role sponsored by Rainsoft.

For his creative costume and willingness to participate, Sylas earned five "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page and will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to the Village Pantry in Spencerville.

The Spencerville Mill Foundation would like to thank all entrants in the competition. With 25 official entrants and many more dressed up over the weekend, it was certainly a great first year for the Heritage Fair.

Sponsors for next year's prizes are already being sought to make the competition that much stronger in celebration of the Mill's Bicentennial in 2012. Likewise, a series of workshops are being planned to encourage everyone's participation. For more information, please contact the Mill.  To see more pictures from the competition please visit the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page.

And another from BrockNews: The Spencerville Mill is encouraging people to play dress up and bring history to life during their 'Heritage Fair' set for June 4th & 5th at the mill.

The Spencerville Mill is offering a series of events designed to engage the public in reliving history themselves – not just watch reenactments as bystanders.

Prizes are available to the individuals and organisations that are best at bringing history to life. For example, the Organisation that brings the Early Victorian period most to life will receive mention in the Mill’s July Calendar advertising. Competitors are asked to present themselves for pictures and inspection at the General Store in the Spencerville Mill during the Heritage Fair for entry.