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Harrington Conservation Area is located in Zorra Township, Oxford County, in the Town of Harrington. The six hectare site and pond was acquired by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in 1952. The grist mill at Harrington Conservation Area was built by the town's founder, an Empire Loyalist named D.L Demorest. The original Mill structure was built with hand-hewn native pine timbers and topped with a split shingle roof. It was first powered by an overshot waterwheel which was later replaced by a more efficient water-driven turbine in the 1880's. At this time the Mill was still utilizing the Frenchburr stone system for the production of flour. When the practice of grinding coarse grains for area farmers was introduced, it quickly deteriorated the stones and that method of milling ceased. In the late 1890's, the introduction of modern milling equipment came to Harrington in the form of an oat roller and chopper. The oat roller at the Mill dates back to 1899 and was manufactured locally by Whitelaw Machinery of Woodstock. The Mill was in continuous operation from 1846 to 1966, except for a brief period of time in 1923 when it succumbed to fire, and twice in 1903 and 1949 when the mill dam broke. In later years, a diesel engine was used to operate the Mill when the water supply was too low to operate the turbine. The UTRCA acquired the mill in 1966. Since then, the grist mill has remained closed and unused.
In April 1998, the UTRCA held a public meeting to discuss the future of the mill. The community was supportive of efforts to restore the mill at its current location. In February 1999, the UTRCA entered into a lease agreement with the Harrington Community Club for the long-term restoration of the grist mill and the maintenance of Harrington Conservation Area.
The Harrington Community Club is dedicated to preserving the mill as a functioning museum. In the past year, with the support of the many area residents and businesses, the dub has accomplished a tremendous amount. More restoration work is planned for the mill, surrounding lands, pond and dam over the next few months and years. The local community is encouraged to get involved in various aspects of the restoration.
