In 1909, George Edward Leard of Westmoreland , another son of the family of eight millers, purchased the mills from his brother, Charles, and he, with his son, Jesse, operated them until 1910, when Jesse sold his interest to his brother, Harry. For over half a century, and through three generations, Leard's Mills, which consisted of Saw, Grist, Shingle, and Carding Mills, were a contributing factor in the development of this area. The operation of the Mills changed in keeping with the times and diversified services were provided, for the convenience of the public. In 1914, a roller pro¬ cessing plant was installed and for many years, a high grade flour was manufactured. ELECTRIC POWER In 1912, Harry installed an Electric Light Plant, which began service to about 100 patrons, at a flat rate of $1.00 a month in the Crapaud and Victoria districts. The coming of Electric Power so early in this century was a great advantage to all within its area. It functioned satisfactorily until 1946, when it was sold to the Maritime Electric, who connected the service with its central power plant. Following the retirement of his father, Harry operated the Mills until his death in a Mill accident on November 14, 1933. The business was carried on from that time by his only son, John, who kept adding to the efficiency of the Mills with modern equipment. He added to his business a seed cleaning plant, and the manufacture of butter boxes for the Creameries and Egg Cases for Grading Stations. Following a fire in 1953, which completely destroyed the Saw Mill and its equipment, the remaining Mills and mill site were sold to Elmer MacDonald . The Leard home was retained and is presently occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John Leard and daughter, June. STORDY 'S MILLS Stordy's Mills, known by that name for well over a century, were situated on the northeast branch of Westmoreland River on "the old leading from to Charlotte-town." The site was originally owned by Jos. Trowsdale, deeded to him by his father. He sold it to Mr. Platts , who built the Mills in the late 1820s. In a few years, Mr. Platts sold the Mills to Thomas Stordy , who began business there in 1833. It is interesting to note that the road mentioned above went on over the hill, but was later abandoned. Evidence of it can still be found in the back of the farms, before it emerges again, in present day use, leading down to Dixon's — then March Banks' Mills. It is said that the road leading to the mill from the north and on through the farm of John Hall — now Hall's Road, were "community roads," given by the people who used them to have access to the Mills, the river, and "the landing" on the Hall farm. A market was being developed at this time by the ship builders for "ton timber", hardwood, twelve inches square, to be shipped to England , and there manufactured as desired. Gena Autumn describes graphically the activity on the river below the Mills, when the Kelly's Cross settlers landed their timber on land near by to be rafted to the basin and loaded in the vessels there. -4 22 $>~