Century Mill Lumber has been a family-run business since 1851. To make this remotely possible, William and Sarah Ratcliff had moved from Essex, England in 1846 to the present site, 3993 Stouffville Road, between Kennedy & McCowan Roads Stouffville, ON (click here for a map). Originally, the site was a 140-acre farm, but also possessed one important ingredient- a tributary of the Rouge River. So in 1851, a water-powered sawmill was built to serve the local communities. Later, the family installed a large single cylinder diesel engine. It was added to augment the dwindling water supply.

In 1981, this diesel engine along with the log-carriage, was donated to the Markham Museum (located at Hwy. 7 & 48 in Markham, ON). During the summer months, you may find this engine being operated at one of their special events.

In 1982, the Mill was hit by lightning. (So now you know why the previous paragraph was inserted. You can now say, "...wasn't that a lucky move!... providentially speaking".) All that remains now is the water turbine (as it was located underground). When we get time (hah!), one of our goals is to pull it out and incorporate it in a sawmill model... so stay tuned!

Over the past 156 years, Century Mill Lumber has had different names and performed different functions. However, it is still owned and operated by a Ratcliff (Howard, great-grandson of William Ratcliff), Jack Wilkinson (son-in-law), and Keith Grose. And one thing has remained constant- we still sell lumber.

A good question. After all we, along with a host of lumber companies, sell lumber. However, we believe we provide some unique products that the large lumber yards do not handle.

This means, for instance, that:

  • We can offer cedar posts, hemlock planks and timbers, and 1x6 white oak to farmers and horse ranches
  • The hobbyist and small business folk come and pick through pine, white cedar, and hardwoods for such items as crafts, fencing, and furniture
  • Maybe you are interested in a new floor? We can suggest T&G red pine, or rustic oak, cherry, or maple
  • Perhaps you may be considering something unusual for the rec. room? How about a rough cut pine or a walnut mantle piece?
  • We offer shop services such as planing, jointing, glue ups etc. The shop fee is $90 per hour for the 24" wide planer.
  • Finally- I'm running out of breath- and best of all, we provide information:

Howard Ratcliff has a wealth of experience and wisdom to impart. He has a knack of converting your weird requests into something plausible. Jack Wilkinson has a forestry degree from Lakehead University and has had 15 years of hands-on experience working with lumber (however, some would say that he doesn't know a four-by-twice from a Dendrologist). Keith Grose has joined the firm as a partner and brings a wealth of experience and fresh new ideas.

Finally, the "behind the scenes" people - the truck driver, lumber sorters and sawyers, all help to serve you in their own unique ways. They are all important to the success of the Company.

Most Importantly there is NO sales pitch or pressure to buy at Century Mill. We are a down-to-earth get-to-know-our-customer Lumber Company. We want to get to know you because you too have much information and many experiences to share.

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