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| About Us |
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First Floor Interior Wheels |
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| History |
Bear's Mill is an authentic working historical landmark. The Mill and property were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Built in 1849 by Gabriel Baer, Bear's Mill is one of the few operating water powered mills in Ohio today. The site of the Mill, as well as the water rights, was granted to Major George Adams by President James Monroe in 1824.
The hand hewn timber framework was exquisitely done with beams from 12" X 16" and 50' long without a single splice. The siding was originally American Black Walnut taken from the surrounding woodlands. The Mill was re-sided in 2001 with the same species of wood.
The French Buhr millstones are the heart of Bear's Mill. They were much sought after by old world millers for their abrasive and porous qualities, which resulted in a slow, cool grinding process. The Mill is filled with antique machinery and the essence of every miller who had the pleasure of 'the run of the mill.’ |
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| Nature |
| The Mill is situated amongst a backdrop of mowed lawns and thick woodlands bordering the scenic Greenville Creek, which is the source of power for the Mill. Paths along the millrace and through the woods provide a place where visitors can find a little peace in a hectic world. |
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| Art |
| Artists are drawn to the Mill with its antique artistry and idyllic setting, many times using it for inspiration. Starting with the final Friday in March and running through December, visitors have the opportunity to view regional artwork, meet the artists and purchase a piece of original artwork through the gallery on the first floor of the Mill. A staple in the gallery is a continual selection of locally handmade pottery; a tradition that continues because the miller's wife is a potter and has associated her fellow potters in the endeavor. |
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| The Mill Store |
| The Mill Store on the first floor offers a very interesting shopping experience. Full of gourmet and kitchen products, few people can resist leaving without something! Of course the Mill's stoneground flours and meals are ever present and the buyers for the Mill Store focus on offering products with an emphasis on 'handmade and made in the USA'. Many people come for the shopping experience simply because the offerings are exceptional! |
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| The Vietnam Memorial |
A special Memorial for those from Darke County who served and died
in the Vietnam War. The miller, Terry Clark (a Vietnam Veteran) and
the old dome from the Darke County Courthouse were the catalyst for
this special Memorial being erected on the Bear's Mill property. To
view a video and story about Bear's Mill, go to the following link:
Ohio's Master Miller |
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| The Bear's Mill Hydroelectric Project.....more to come |
Ray Lepore (a trustee of the Friends of Bear's Mill) and an engineer,
is generating power! Watch this youtube video:
Bear's Mill Hydroelectric
Check out Ray Lepore's webpage for additional information about
this project!
Isoteem
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