Bear's Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bear's Mill
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Front of the mill
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Rd. |
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| Nearest city | Greenville, Ohio |
| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| Architect | William Moses; Manning Hart |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001372 |
| Added to NRHP | June 10, 1975 |
Bear's Mill is a very old gristmill located near Greenville in Darke County, Ohio, United States. It was built way back in 1849. This special watermill is the oldest industrial building still standing in Darke County.
The mill sits along Greenville Creek. It is found between Greenville and a small village called Gettysburg.
Contents
The Mill's History: How It Began
The mill was started by a local builder named Manning Hart. Before it was even finished, a man named Gabriel Bear bought it. Gabriel Bear was from Pennsylvania. He completed the mill and opened it in 1849.
Finding the Best Millstones
At first, the mill used millstones made nearby. But these stones didn't work very well. So, Gabriel Bear traveled all the way to France. There, he bought special stones. These French stones were known around the world for being the very best quality.
What Bear's Mill Looks Like
Bear's Mill is made mostly of wood. It has a strong stone foundation at its base. The roof is made of metal. This design helped it last for a very long time.
How the Mill Operated for Over a Century
This amazing mill worked continuously for more than 100 years! It only started to slow down in the late 1970s. That's when the person running the mill decided to work less.
Bear's Mill Today: A Museum and More
Even today, Bear's Mill is still in use. Part of it is a museum where you can learn about milling. The other part still works as a gristmill. This means it still grinds grain!
In 1975, Bear's Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical places in the United States. It was recognized for its unique architecture and its importance in Ohio's history.
Today, a group called the Friends of Bear's Mill takes care of it. This is a non-profit organization. They work hard to keep the mill running and preserve it as an important historical landmark for everyone to enjoy.
