Parker Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parker Mill County Park |
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Historic grist and cider mills
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| Location | Ann Arbor Charter Township, Michigan |
| Operated by | Washtenaw County |
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Parker Mill Complex
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| Area | 11 acres (4.5 ha) |
| Built | 1873 |
| Built by | William Parker |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Log construction |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002888 |
| Added to NRHP | August 4, 1982 |
The Parker Mill is a cool historic place in Ann Arbor Charter Township, Michigan. It's also called Parker Mill County Park. This park has an old mill that shows how people used to grind grain a long time ago. It's a great example of a small mill that was common in Michigan.
The mill and the nearby Parker House were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Today, the mill and the land around it are a public park. The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission takes care of it. Parker Mill County Park is a 45-acre (18 ha) wooded area. It has fun hiking trails and a boardwalk. This boardwalk connects to Gallup Park nearby. You can visit the historic mill during certain times of the year.
Contents
What is the History of Parker Mill?
How the Mill Began
Back in 1824, a man named Robert Fleming built a sawmill here. It was located on a small hill above a creek, which is now called Fleming Creek. This first mill, known as the "Fleming Sawmill," eventually broke down and was left unused.
In 1863, an English immigrant named William Q. Parker and his wife, Mary, bought the land. They purchased 61 acres of farmland around the old mill site. In 1873, William Parker built the current grist mill. A grist mill grinds grain into flour. He built it right where the old sawmill used to be. Around the same time, he also built a small cabin for the mill workers to live in.
In 1887, William Parker built another mill, a cider mill. The Parkers first used the mills to grind flour and press cider for themselves and their neighbors. However, a problem with apple trees in the early 1900s meant the cider mill stopped being used after 1914.
Changes Over Time
William Parker passed away in 1910. His son, George, then took over running the mill. George started selling products like pancake mix and flour to local markets in Ann Arbor. He sold them under the name "Flemings Creek Mills." Soon, the mill became famous locally for its pancake mix, whole wheat flour, and buckwheat flour.
In the 1920s, Geddes Road, which is near the mill, was made wider and paved. Because of this, the Parkers had to raise the foundation of the grist mill. George Parker died in 1956, and the mill stopped grinding grain for sale. George's son, Dale, continued to mill for his own use for a short time. But by 1959, the mill stopped working completely.
Becoming a Park
After the mill stopped working, the Matthei family bought the farm and mill. At some point in the 1960s, the original dam that helped power the mill was washed away.
In 1983, Frederick Matthei sold 26 acres of land around the mill site. This included both the grist mill, the cider mill, and the cabin. He sold it to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission for much less than it was worth. The Matthei family kept the Parker House as their private home. The Commission fixed up the mill and opened the area as a park in 1984. More trails were added to the park later on. Today, the mill site is still a Washtenaw County park. The Parker House remains a private home.
What Can You See at Parker Mill?
The Parker Mill Complex has two mills: a grist mill and a cider mill. It also has a log cabin where mill workers used to live. The Parker farmhouse and other small buildings are also part of the area.
The Grist Mill
The grist mill was built in 1873. It has three stories and is built into the side of a hill near Fleming Creek. The top floor is made of wood with special siding. It sits on a strong two-story stone foundation. Inside the mill, you can still see the original machinery. It can even still work!
The Cider Mill
The cider mill was built in 1887 and is right next to the grist mill. It has two stories. The top story is made of wood, and the bottom story has a stone foundation. The cider mill is now used as a small museum.
The Mill-Worker's House
The mill-worker's house is a log cabin. It is located behind the mills.
The Parker House
The Parker house is located west of the mill site along Geddes Road. It is a large stone house with a sloped roof. This house is a private home and is not part of the Parker Mill Park.
Images for kids
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Green-roof pavilion
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View of Fleming Creek in summer
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Fleming Creek in fall
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Close view of the grist mill
