A New Documentary By Sam Dickie Shares The History Of Handley Lumber

Kawartha 411 News
July 31, 2025
Category: Forest History & Archives
Region: Canada East

KAWARTHA LAKES, Ontario — For generations, Handley Lumber has touched the lives of just about everyone in Burnt River and Fenelon Falls. Joseph Handley Jr. harvested forests then used the cleared lots to ranch cattle. In 1918, he opened a shingle mill near his home in Burnt River, while he also owned the remains of a sawmill on the Third Concession of Somerville. In 1936, he took over Fred Chambers’ planing mill in Fenelon Falls—which included a belt driven mortise and tenon machine, jointer, saw and sander. They all still work to this day—though technology has evolved.

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