Phelps Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Phelps Mill
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
The Otter Tail River as it passes Phelps Mill
|
|
| Nearest city | Underwood, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Built | 1889 |
| Part of | Phelps Mill Historic District (ID84001640) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002145 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1975 |
Phelps Mill is a historic flour mill located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. It sits right on the Otter Tail River. This mill was built a long time ago, in 1888–1889, and it played an important part in the history of the area. It helped turn wheat into flour for people to use.
Contents
Building the Mill
The mill was built by a local businessman named William E. Thomas. He already owned a flour and feed business nearby. Back then, wheat was a very popular crop. There were almost a thousand flour mills working across Minnesota!
Thomas started building a wooden dam on the river in the spring of 1888. A dam helps control the water flow to power the mill. This dam, however, often leaked. Workers had to use sandbags, dirt, and gravel to keep it strong.
The mill building itself was constructed by Royal Powers. What's amazing is that he built and framed the entire mill without using any blueprints! He kept the whole plan in his head. He didn't even need to mark the wood before cutting it.
How the Mill Worked
Phelps Mill opened in October 1889. It was designed to make a lot of flour every day, about 60 to 75 barrels. For its first few years, the mill was very successful.
In 1895, William Thomas added more space to the mill. This new part was used to grind other grains like buckwheat and rye. Thomas also built a small bunkhouse for people who needed to stay overnight. There was also a barn for horses. A general store was set up nearby too, and it's still open today!
Why the Mill Closed
As time went on, new technology came along in the early 1900s. Mills started using electricity, gasoline, or steam for power. These new ways were much more efficient than water power.
Also, railroads made it easier and cheaper to move grain. Farmers could send their grain to bigger mills in cities like Minneapolis-St. Paul. These larger mills could make flour at a lower cost.
William Thomas sold Phelps Mill in 1919. After changing owners one more time in 1928, the mill finally closed for good in 1939.
Saving Phelps Mill
Even though the mill closed, a local person named Geneva Tweten wanted to save it. She believed the mill was an important symbol of rural life. She led a campaign to protect it.
Because of her efforts, Otter Tail County bought the mill site in 1965. Then, in 1975, Phelps Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history.
Today, Phelps Mill is part of the Phelps Mill Historic District. This area also includes the old general store and a beautiful house where the miller used to live. It's a great place to visit and learn about the past!
Images for kids
-
The mill in 2012
