Wolcott Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wolcott Mill
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 63841 Wolcott Road, Ray Township, Michigan |
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| Built | 1847 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 09001063 |
| Added to NRHP | December 8, 2009 |
The Wolcott Mill is a historic grist and feed mill located in Ray Township, Michigan. It stands at 63841 Wolcott Road. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Today, it is part of a larger park where visitors can learn about its past.
Contents
The Mill's Story: A Look Back in Time
The Wolcott Mill was built in 1847 by a miller named Freeman. It started as a place where farmers could bring their grains to be ground into flour or animal feed. Over the years, the mill had several different owners.
Fred Wolcott Takes Over
In 1878, a man named Fred B. Wolcott bought the mill. Fred was born in Pennsylvania in 1845. He had worked in sawmills and traveled across many western states before settling in Nebraska. There, he started a farm and married Anna C. Callahan.
Fred Wolcott traded his Nebraska farm for the mill in Michigan. He worked hard to improve the mill, adding new machines and another barn. Under his care, the Wolcott Mill became famous for its excellent flour. Big bakeries in Detroit, like Acme Pie, even used flour from Wolcott Mill for their tasty treats! Fred Wolcott ran the mill until at least 1905.
From Working Mill to Historic Park
The mill continued to operate for many years. However, in 1967, the Wolcott Mill finally closed its doors. It remained closed until 1989. That year, the mill was reopened as a special part of the Wolcott Mill Metropark. Now, it helps people learn about history and how mills used to work.
What Does Wolcott Mill Look Like Today?
The Wolcott Mill area is more than just the mill building itself. It includes the millpond, a large barn, and a truck garage. There's also a building from the 1950s that was used for corncobs. The park system has added a modern gazebo, restrooms, and a toll road building for visitors.
Exploring the Buildings
The large barn on the property was first used to keep horses. Later, it stored special seeds. Today, the Metropark uses this barn as a historical museum. It's a great place to see old tools and learn about farm life. The truck garage, which once held delivery trucks, is now used for special events.
Inside the Mill
If you go inside the mill, you'll find that much of the original machinery is still there! This includes two "midget marvel roller mills." These machines were used to grind different types of grains into flour or feed. Seeing them helps you imagine what it was like when the mill was busy grinding grain every day.
