Potter's Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
E. G. Potter's Jasper Flour Mill
|
|
Potter's Mill, Bellevue, Iowa
|
|
 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | South and 2nd St. Bellevue, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Built | 1843 |
| Architect | E.G. Potter, John Gammel |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001257 |
| Added to NRHP | April 19, 1984 |
Potter's Mill is a special building in Bellevue, Iowa. Today, it is a restaurant and a cozy place to stay called a bed and breakfast. This building used to be a very old mill that ground grain into flour. In fact, it is the oldest mill of its kind in the entire state of Iowa! Because it is so old and important, Potter's Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a key spot in the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.
Contents
History of Potter's Mill
Building the Mill
Elbridge Gerry Potter moved to the Bellevue area in 1843. He came from New Lebanon, Illinois. Mr. Potter was looking for the perfect spot to build a flour mill. He decided that Bellevue was the best place.
Potter and a local builder named John Gammel worked together. They built the mill on a stream that became known as Big Mill Creek. They used strong limestone from nearby cliffs to build the mill. They also used local timber for other parts of the building.
At first, the mill used a large "overshot waterwheel." This wheel was on the south side of the mill. Water flowed over the top of the wheel, making it turn. This turning wheel powered the mill. Building the whole mill cost about $40,000 back then.
Early Operations
By 1845, the mill was fully working. Potter's Mill sold flour to many big cities. These cities were in the central and eastern parts of the United States. Potter bought wheat from local farmers. He also bought wheat from farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Later, Potter made the dam bigger. This allowed him to add six turbines. These turbines then operated six milling stones. These stones were used to grind the grain. Potter ran the mill until 1871. Then, he sold it to a company called Kilborn and Company.
Changing Hands and Repairs
Kilborn and Company operated the mill for the next ten years. In 1881, they sold the mill to Arnold Reiling. The mill faced a challenge on May 24, 1896. A sudden flood damaged the building. After the flood, a powerful 35-horsepower Atlas steam engine was installed. This engine replaced the old water power system.
The Reiling family owned and ran the mill for 38 years. After that, they decided to sell the property. Over the next few years, several different owners ran the mill. Finally, the Dyas family bought it in 1931. The Dyas family continued to operate the mill until 1969. In that year, the mill stopped making flour for good.
From Mill to Modern Business
The property was put up for sale in 1980. It was sold at an auction. Daryll and Carolyn Eggers bought the old mill. They worked hard to restore the building. They wanted to bring it back to its former glory.
In 1985, they opened Potter's Mill again. This time, it was a bed and breakfast and an event center. They ran the business for many years. Eventually, the building was put up for sale once more.
In August 2014, the building reopened with new names. It became "Flatted Fifth Blues and BBQ at Potter's Mill." It also opened "The Inn at Potter's Mill." Today, it continues to be a popular spot in Bellevue.
