Not such a romantic occupation
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- Not such a romantic occupation
You might think that millers led an idyllic life in an enchanting setting, but in fact it wasn’t all fun and games.
Working conditions in the mill were difficult. Just think of all the sacks of grain and flour to carry around! Not to mention the thunderous noise of the machinery and the air full of dust. Workdays were often long, and the poor miller could lose his hearing and develop respiratory problems.
It wasn’t easy for the miller’s wife, either, who had to live in these surroundings. Not an ideal setting for raising a family! On the other hand, it was a chance to introduce sons to the trade and train them as apprentice millers.
Alfred and Welly Michel
Brothers Alfred and Welly Michel, behind the mill.
Source: Marcelle Rivard
Sideboard
The Michel family’s sideboard in their 2nd-storey quarters, when the mill was restored.
Source: Société des amis du Moulin Michel
Alfred and Welly Michel
Alfred Michel fitted out the 2nd floor quarters and lived there with his brother Welly. The mill was a family affair! Here we see them striking a pose in the mid-1980s.
Left: Alfred Michel
Source: Société des amis du Moulin Michel
Right: Welly Michel
© Mark Tomalty
With its massive mechanisms and heavy equipment, a mill could be a dangerous place. Mills that claimed victims were dubbed “moulins rouges”, or “red mills” – nothing to do with Paris and dancing the cancan! The Gentilly mill was one of them. In 1825, Joseph Grindler’s nephew and apprentice was crushed in the mill machinery, at just 13 years old. A very tragic story.
