Weaving was an occupation of much skill. Many intricate patterns were created by these clever women on their clacking old looms, and hobbyists of today are attempting to duplicate them.

The prize list of the Exhibition in Crapaud in 1867, (in this book), for woven fabrics, contains names still familiar in Crapaud.

The weaving era came to an end in the latter part of the 1800s. Woollen Mills were in operation at Tryon and De'Sable and “store” cloth came into general use.

Very few sheep are raised in Crapaud now. Our men wear dungarees, with cheese cloth pockets! _ An article in the September 21, 1882, issue of The Examiner states:

“Crapaud is well equipped with Mills, having no less than four, 'viz: Collett’s, Stondy’s, Leard’s, and Howatt’s. They are all supplied with French Burrs and other appliances for turning out first-class flour.

“Messrs. Collett and Howatt have saw and carding mills fitted up ‘7 in the most approved manner, with circular and other saws.

“Mr. Bradford Howatt, whose Mill property is at Crapaud Corner, is building a fine, substantial new house, and Mr. Collett is putting up a rather mysterious new building, a hundred feet long, which has been dubbed “The Station House.” ”

Q HOWATT’ S MILLS

In the middle 1800s, James Howatt operated Mills in Crapaud, known as Howatt’s Mills. These consisted of saw and carding mills, also a grist mill, in which the finest grade of flour was ground. '

Bradford Howatt, younger son of James, succeeded his father, and carried on the business until about 1900, when he sold to Charles Leard,

and moved with his family to Brudenell, where he followed the same line of business.

The old Howatt house stood on the east side of the road, near the spot where Simmons’ orchard stands. In 1882, Bradford erected a fine, commodious new dwelling house on the opposite side of the roadrpre- sently owned by Mrs. Fred Oakesv. The old dwelling house was sold and ' moved to Victoria.

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LEARD’ S MILLS

The Howatt Mills became the Leard Mills when Bradford Howatt sold the Mill property to Charles Leard around 1900. He was one of eight Leard brothers, who, with their father at Westmoreland, operated seven Mills throughout the Island.

Mr. Leard built a new dwelling house on the south side of the road leading to the Mill from Victoria Road, now the Trans-Canada. He moved the house a few years later to its present site on the north side of the mill road, where it is still a Leard home. .

The Grist Mill was burned in the early part of this century, and he replace-d it with a fine new building, which is still in use by the present owner. '

During his few years as owner of these Mills, Mr. Leard did a great deal of work in improving the property. He died about 1909. His wife and daughter, Hilda, left Crapaud to live elsewhere. At present Hilda resides in North Carolina, U.S.A.

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