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Billy Goat Smith's Grinder

Object ID: ​1965.98.1  

This grinder is made of wood and has a wooden drum which is turned with a handle and has alternating screw. It was homemade by Billy Goat Smith (1882-1958) to be used at his cabin located at the head of Powell Lake near Jim Brown Creek.

Billy used this object for grinding turnips, and apples, possibly other vegetables as well such as sugar beets from his own garden. He ground vegetables to feed his goats, and the apples to make cider. Billy was attempting to be as self sufficient as possible.

Billy’s cabin was his main residence, where he lived as a recluse, often called a hermit, on Powell Lake. The only way to reach his cabin was by boat. He came to Powell Lake from the United States, from East Randolph New York, in 1910. His real name, Robert Bonner Smith, gave way to "Billy Goat" Smith, because he hunted goats on the mountainsides, as well as raised them. He was an excellent hunter, and use to be a hunting guide for guests staying at the Rainbow Lodge, which was owned by the Powell River Company.

Billy did not like strangers coming to his cabin; he would warn them by firing his rifle in the air! Although he was friendly to those delivering supplies to his cabin like Ed Quilin, who brought him books, newspapers, letters, and some groceries. A sign on his property read “ Powell River People and Dogs, Please KEEP OFF”

He sold his goat’s milk and fresh meat to logging camps in the region.
After his boat was wrecked in a storm in 1937, he rarely left his cabin
Mr. Smith is buried at Cranberry Cemetery where his gravestone is marked by a stone with both his real name and his chosen name, as well as an engraved goat. 

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Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
10 am to 3 pm

Closed Statutory Holidays
Contact Us
604-485-2222
info@qathetmuseum.ca
​4790 Marine Avenue, Powell River BC

© 2023 qathet Museum & Archives
​Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material on this website. Dates and times are subject to change. 
Territorial Acknowledgement 
The qathet Museum & Archives is located on the traditional territories of the Tla’amin Nation. The Museum is committed to collaborating with all Indigenous peoples of this province including the Tla'amin Nation. We acknowledge the harms of the past, are committed to improving relationships in the spirit of reconciliation, and we extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory. ​Emote!
  • Exhibits
    • Current Exhibits
    • Forestry Building
    • Virtual Exhibits >
      • Riveting Women
      • Symphonies of the Sunshine Coast
      • Capturing Mountains
      • Story of Cedar
      • Powell River Firsts
      • Rod LeMay Collection
  • Collections
    • Objects
    • Archives >
      • Research Requests
      • Indexes & Finding Aids
      • Archival Descriptions
      • Powell River Digester
      • Phone Books & Directories
      • Good Citizen
      • Record of Military Service
    • Local History Books
  • Programs
    • Public Programs Calendar >
      • Little Wonders
      • Spring Speaker Series
      • Fall Speaker Series
      • Mini-Curators
      • Papermaking
      • Summer Camps
      • Museum In the Park
      • Archaeology Day
    • School Programs >
      • Exhibit Visits
      • Outreach Kits
      • Portal to the Past
      • Educator's Survey
    • Virtual Programs >
      • Virtual Portal To the Past
      • A Taste of qathet's History
      • The Crafty Corner
      • Dive Into the Archives
    • Tours
    • Memoirs
  • Learn
    • Indigenous History
    • Place Names
    • Forestry History
    • Memories of the Mill
    • Community History
    • Blast from the Past
    • The Coast Memoirs
    • Heritage Stops
    • Blog
  • Support
    • Gift Shop
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Careers
  • About
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Name Change
    • Our Mandate
    • News & Reports
    • Staff & Board
    • Contact Us