We are at 14 Patch Road. This scenic road evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. Running alongside Powell Brook, which flows into Greene Bay, the area offers a serene, nature-rich environment.
Once-abandoned fields have given way to a naturally regenerated forest, On each side of the road, oak trees have been planted in recent years to maintain the tree tunnel that create a dense canopy overhead that forms a shaded, enchanting corridor for walkers.
The landscape transforms dramatically with the seasons. In Summer and Autumn, enjoy the interplay of light and shadow and the vibrant natural beauty. In Winter, bare trees reveal a peaceful, snow-covered vista, with views of Mount Owl’s Head and Lake Memphremagog below.
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Did you know that the Head-of-the-Bay area was once a hub for wool processing? In 1820, three water-powered mills along Powell Creek Brook specialized in carding, fulling, and draping wool.
In 1828, the site expanded to include a sawmill, a cart-repair forge, a general store, a lumber yard, and a potash factory with its own warehouse.
An old road still leads to the wharf, once a stop for ferries traveling to Knowlton's Landing and Copp's Ferry (now Georgeville). Recent archaeological investigations have explored this historically rich area.
In 2009, the Austin Cultural Committee commissioned archaeological research along Powell Brook, uncovering remnants of a 19th-century pre-industrial complex. Further historical research in 2011 provided new insights into the area's economic activity.
The bay is named after Greene, the first mayor of Bolton Township (1845). However, the name was controversially changed to 'baie verte' by the Commission de toponymie du Québec—a literal translation that many locals opposed. In 2013, the original name, Greene Bay, was reinstated to honor its historical significance.