Sugar Cane Diversification

In the early 1870s, as timber resources in the Tweed Valley began to diminish, Henry Skinner turned his attention toward agriculture, specifically sugar cane farming. Recognizing the fertile land along the Tweed River and the growing demand for sugar, Henry saw an opportunity to diversify his family’s income and create a more sustainable business. His experience in the timber industry had given him a solid understanding of the land, and he strategically invested in a property known as “Inglewood,” located near North Tumbulgum. This site would become the base for his new ventures and play a significant role in the emerging agricultural economy of the region.

Henry acquired Inglewood around 1873, a decision driven by the need for stability after years of timber-getting. The property’s location on the river provided ideal conditions for sugar cane cultivation, as the rich alluvial soil and access to water were essential for successful farming. Henry’s vision extended beyond simple cultivation; he wanted to control the entire production process. To achieve this, he decided to build a small, horse-powered sugar mill on the property, which allowed him to process cane directly on-site. This mill, established around 1875, was one of the first in the area and laid the groundwork for the local sugar industry.

The Inglewood Mill was modest in its early years, but it was an innovative addition to the region at a time when sugar mills were rare. The mill’s horse-powered crushing system allowed Henry to process cane not only from his own farm but also from neighboring properties, making Inglewood a valuable resource for the local farming community. Farmers who lacked processing facilities could bring their cane to Henry’s mill, where he would crush it into sugar, offering them a practical solution to their processing needs. This arrangement fostered a sense of community among local farmers and solidified Henry’s reputation as a pioneer in the region’s agricultural development.

Henry’s decision to set up a horse-powered mill was both practical and symbolic. In the 1870s, the Tweed Valley lacked the infrastructure for larger, steam-powered mills, and Henry’s choice reflected the ingenuity required to thrive in such an isolated area. Horse-powered mills, though labor-intensive, were efficient and well-suited to small-scale production. At Inglewood, teams of horses would turn the crushing rollers, extracting juice from the cane, which was then processed into raw sugar. This process, while basic compared to modern standards, was highly effective and allowed Henry to produce sugar for local consumption and trade.

For the next decade, the Inglewood Mill remained in operation, providing a steady source of income for Henry and his family. By the mid-1880s, however, larger, steam-powered mills began appearing in the region, making small horse-powered mills like Henry’s less viable. Around 1885, Henry ceased milling operations at Inglewood, shifting his focus to other ventures. Yet, the impact of his early sugar mill continued, as it demonstrated the potential of the Tweed Valley for sugar production, attracting more farmers to the area and encouraging investment in larger, more efficient mills.

Henry’s investment in land and agriculture marked a significant transition for the Skinner family. The Inglewood property became more than a farm; it was a symbol of their adaptability and resilience. As Henry diversified his interests, he laid the foundation for future ventures, including the family’s successful cordial business, which would later operate from the same property. The story of Inglewood and its pioneering sugar mill reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that defined Henry Skinner’s legacy in the Tweed Valley.

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