Description of Historic Place

The Wood Drying Kiln is a small square wood framed and wood shingled building with a low pitched gable roof. A brick chimney and kiln are attached to the building. It is located on the west side of the stream behind the restored former Patterson's mill in Hunter River. The registration includes the building itself.

Heritage Value

The Wood Drying Kiln is valued as an example of its type in Prince Edward Island. It was once common for a sawmill operation to have a building on the site to dry or season newly sawed wood.

It is believed this example was built sometime after 1948. The former Patterson's mill was then owned by Reagh Bagnall. He purchased the mill business on January 21, 1944 and constructed a number of new buildings near the mill including a warehouse and sash and door factory.

It is believed the kiln continued to be used into the late 1960s. When the current owner purchased the property, it had fallen into disrepair. It has recently been refurbished as part of an overall renovation of the entire mill property.

Today, it is a fine example of a building of its type in the province.

Source: Culture and Heritage Division, PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
File #: 4310-20/H14

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value of the building is shown in the following character-defining elements:

- the single-storey wood frame construction
- the low pitched gable roof
- the wood shingle cladding
- the brick chimney and kiln
- the fenestration of the windows and door