Allan O'Neill

Allan O’Neill grew up on his family’s farm in Glenelg Township. After high school, he became a licensed carpenter, and over the next 23 years, worked for 3 local companies, building log and timberframe homes. His work took him throughout Ontario and Quebec, 17 different US states, Aruba and a 6 months stay in Grand Cayman.

In 2008, Allan volunteered to help cut and raise the George Rice timberframe blacksmith shop at Grey Roots, where he enjoyed the experience of working with the employees and volunteers and the efforts of the museum to preserve and promote the history of Grey County. He was hired for the museum maintenance position when it became available in 2013. With volunteer help, he has enhanced the visitors experience to the museum with exhibit changes, installing historic stabling in the basement of the barn, accessible ramps to the log house, boardwalks, rail fencing, wooden eavestrough, and returned the Herb Miller sawmill to working condition.

Regular maintenance within the museum, is also a part of his day to day work experience. He enjoys maintaining and operating the museums 1921 Robert Bell steam engine and other antique farm equipment, and is currently in training to obtain his steam traction operators licence.