Truly a chance to step back in time for a glimpse of our pioneer past. The Village has more than a dozen restored or reconstructed buildings to explore. During the summer ans special events, pioneer tasks and trades are carried out within the Village. Step inside the grist mill and watch the miller at the grindstone. Today at Backus you can see exhibits and artifacts that bring to life the fascinating story of

The following give a brief description of the facilities available at Backus Heritage Conservation Area. For more information or a copy of the brochure please feel free to contact the Conservation Area at (519) 586-2201 or the administration office at (519) 428-4623.

1. Conservation Education Centre The region's natural history and waterfowling traditions are introduced to visitors through a series of exhibits in this nature centre.(opened in April 1991)

2. Cottonwood Tree The Cottonwood tree is one hundred and eighty-seven feet tall and is eighteen and one half feet in circumference.

3. Ice House The ice house was an important feature in rural life. When the ice reached the desired thickness in the pond, it was cut with an ice saw. Heavy ice tongs were used to remove the ice and carry it into the ice house where it was covered with straw or sawdust to prevent it from melting. The ice was then used throughout the coming months. (Reconstruction 1978. Not open for public viewing)

4. John C. Backhouse Mill The mill was built in 1798 and was owned and operated by the Backus (Backhouse) family until 1955 when the mill and property was purchased by the Big Creek Region Conservation Authority. This original wooden structure was built of hand hewn beams and was one of the few mills to escape the fire of the War of 1812. The mill still grinds wheat today.

5. Teeterville Baptist Church The church was first organized in 1859 with a Prayer and Convenant Meeting. In 1869 the church was built and in 1871 membership was sixty-three persons. (Moved to the site in 1980).

6. Garage This building was used by the Backus family to house a Model T and a Page automobile. This building is one of the four original structures on the property. (Not open for public viewing).

7. Museum Building The museum houses exhibits on early businesses from the Norfolk Reformer to an Apothecary and Barber Shop. It also features Davey Stone's Locker, full of treasurers from Lake Erie.

8. Backus Gravestones These stones were removed from the pioneer cemetery to prevent further deterioration. Only one, John Backhouse's has been recast. The ground is not consecrated ground.

9. Stump Puller This tripod device was used for clearing tree stumps from the fields. It required six men and a team of horses to operate. The massive roots were used on the outer rim of fields as stump fences, helping to keep cattle in, while acting as windbreaks at the same time.

10. Treadmill and Drag Saw The treadmill was used to power small machines on the farm. A team of horses would walk on the ramp, driving the pulley. The pulley was attached to a belt which here runs a drag saw. The one man drag saw was not popular due to the extra friction caused by the additional moving parts. (Drag saw ca. 1900, Treadmill brought to the site in 1970).

11. Vittoria Carriage Shop This building is only the top half of the original structure and was at different times a general store, wagon, carriage and repair shop. (ca. 1843, moved to the site in 1973)

12. Cider Press The cider press crushes apples into apple cider and is powered by a tractor and belt hook-up. (Moved to the site in 1977).

13. Forbes Barn This barn was originally used for grain storage. It now houses farm implements from an earlier era including Cockshutt plows and various hay rakes. (ca. 1870, moved to the site in 1974).

14. Driveshed Originally a church driveshed, this shed now displays a number of buggies and wagons, including the Thornton family carriages and others that have been donated over the years. (Moved to the site in 1974).

15. Playhouse This playhouse was built for Hazel Budd Backus, the only daughter of John and Florence Backus. Furniture inside the playhouse consisted of a small table with two chairs. Hazel had a set of miniature Wedgewood dishes to use at "teatime". It is one of the four original structures on the site. (ca. late 1920's).

16. Backus Homestead The homestead was constructed of three layers of brick made from clay found at the left side of the hill near the museum. Originally a large wooden verandah and windows shutter's were on the house. (ca. mid 1850's)

17. Utility Shed This building was moved from Port Rowan and upon further research and restoration will be interpreted as a Cooper's Shop. It is not currently open for public viewing. (ca. 1870, moved to the site in 1992)

18. Store Fronts of the Heritage Building

Aunt Erie's Kitchen An old fashioned eatery with hearty sandwiches, soups and more. Delicious homemade pies and goodies will tempt your tastebuds!

Dedrick Mercantile (Gift Shop) The General Store was an important part of the early settler's life. Settlers could barter or trade items for goods or purchase them outright. The General Store sold everything from tools to food and cloth for making clothes. The Postmaster often could be found at the rear of the store.

The Weaving Shop Stop in and chat with members of the Evelyn Franklin Weavers' Guild and see the many handcrafted items for sale such as rugs, pottery, baskets and jewellery, just to name a few. (Heritage Building opened in June 1991)

19. Sawmill The Backus family owned and operated a sawmill that was originally situated down by the grist mill. This is a more modern sawmill that is powered by a gasoline engine. Pit saws, muley saws and sash saws were more typical of John C. Backhouse's time. (ca. 1900, moved to the site in 1976).

20. Planing Mill The planer smooths rough boards after they have been sawn.

21. Shingle Mill The shingle mill has two purposes: to cut wood across the grain and to cut wood with the grain.

22. Storage Barn This building is closed the public.

23. Suderman Barn and Blacksmith Shop The barn houses farm equipment and livestock (summer months), as well as cutters and sleighs. Inside the blacksmith's shop you will notice the semi-darkness, enabling the blacksmith to determine the glow of the metal being worked upon. The upstairs of this building is not open for public viewing. (Moved to the site in 1979).

24. Corn Crib The corn crib stored ears of corn until they were dry and ready to be shelled or milled as feed. (Moved to the site in 1980).

25. Townsend Barn This barn contains large artifacts storage and not open for public viewing. (ca. 1920, moved to the site in 1977).

26. Farm Implement Driveshed This lean-to is used to house antique farm implements and machinery. (Constructed in 1982).

27. Bake Oven The bake oven was used to bake bread, pies and other baked goods in its hot interior. (Reconstructed in 1995).

28. Log House This log house dates from the 19th century and was originally situated on a one hundred acre lot one mile east of Glen Meyer. It is heated by a wood stove that warms the entire building. (ca. 19th century, moved to the site in 1981).

29. Militia Log House This log house came from Maybee's Corners in Middletown township and was originally located in a village named Acacia which ceased to exist when the water supply dried up. In 1995, it was adopted by the 1st Norfolk Militia Heritage Regiment and is being restored. (ca. 1860, moved to the site in 1981).

30. Herb Garden The herb garden features typical herbs found in a garden of the 17th century. Everlastings, aromatics, culinary, dyeing and native Canadian herbs are represented in the garden. (established in 1993).

31. Cherry Valley Schoolhouse The octagonal shape of this school is so unusual that it is one of the only two of its kind in rural Ontario. It was located on the Cherry Valley Road, north of Simcoe. (ca. 1866, restored 1983).