For the Love of Old Buildings and the Past - the Historic Motor Mill

 

A Remarkable Destination

The Motor Mill, Elkader, Iowa - Clayton County

Situated on the Turkey River

I like to go on drives. A lot.

There might be a genetic component.  We used to chuckle as my grandparents went

on lengthy drives, my Grandpa loading my Grandma's wheelchair in the trunk and then they'd set off.  However, their destinations often involved a church dinner or visiting a former priest from their parish.

I just like to explore, discover old houses, or maybe find a small, rural cemetery to visit.

While I remember driving by the Motor Mill ages ago as a kid, I don't recall much about it.

My appreciation for old architecture didn't bloom until adulthood perhaps.

Seriously though, when you drive down the gravel road, cutting through the woods, with a drop to one side that could best be described as a "holler," and then come upon the Mill in the distance, it seems like you've entered a time-warp.

The Motor Mill wasn't a destination we set out for.  We have a way of wending along, never quite sure where we'll end up.   But it's quite the jackpot in terms of unexpected destinations - between the bridge and the mill, it's amazing.

Information we gleaned from the signs at the site as well as the Motor Mill Historic Site website:

"Stone for the construction was quarried from atop the bluff north of the mill. The stone was lowered down in a specially designed cable car system.  the first load of rock was hauled down from the quarry on April 28, 1868.  Motor Mill was operational by fall 1869 and had excellent flour but the business suffered as chinch bugs ate wheat crops and area mills competed for fewer raw materials. When high water prevented completion of a narrow-gauge railroad for easier transportation, the young, expensive mill strained.  In 1879, the mill was rented out. The final blow occurred in 1883, when a flood made the dam unusable. The dam was not repaired and the mill closed after just 14 years of operation."

Photo courtesy of the Motor Mill Historic Site

"Farmers turned from wheat and “began raising corn, cattle and hogs instead, even creameries sprang up. Railroads were beginning to haul produce away from the near-at-home market.” The mill never recouped its founders’ investments but remains a striking monument to 19th century engineering skill, craftsmanship and vision.

The Motor mill property was purchased by the Klink family in 1903 and they used the structures as farm buildings for the next 80 years."

The Bridge:

"The original bridge at Motor was a high-sided wooden structure built in 1868.

In June of 1991 flood waters destroyed the south span. The span was not replaced due to low traffic counts and the historic nature of the bridge. The north span was then destroyed by the flood of 2008.

There was a great desire to rebuild the bridge and so the project began in earnest. Types of expenses to rebuild the bridge included construction, engineering, and inspection. All of these expenses combined gave an estimated total cost of $1,069,322. The funding for the bridge reconstruction came from a number of sources.  It took just under 2 months to complete the new bridge. Construction began on October 11, 2012 and finished on December 6, 2012."

Formation of the Motor Mill Historic Site:

"In 1983 the Clayton County Conservation Board (CCCB), with help from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, purchased the Motor Mill Historic Site along with 100 acres of land.  The purchase included 40 acres associated with the Motor Mill buildings on the north side of the Turkey River and 60 acres on the south side of the Turkey River.  The buildings consist of five native limestone buildings including a Stable, an Inn, an Icehouse, Cooperage and the 90-foot Motor Mill.

The purchase was made for the purpose of preserving and restoring the buildings, along with interpreting the history of the site."

"Co-founder James Crosby said it best when he described the Mill as being, “Beautiful in its proportions, solid as the rock from which it was made, the old mill stands in white relief against the forested hills, a delight to the eye in its perfection and its picturesque setting.”'

I'm definitely planning to make a trip back during warmer months when tours are available.  It's easy to imagine the site when it was in its glory. 

Annual Lighting Event

As we crossed the bridge today we noticed Christmas lights affixed to the railing and wondered if there was a future holiday event planned.  When we returned home I searched to see if there was something coming up we could go back to attend.
To my dismay I learned there was an annual lighting event this evening.  What a coincidence!  But I'm delighted to know this is an annual occurrence and we can make plans for next year.

Courtesy of Motor Mill Facebook page

If you also enjoy a drive, keep the Motor Mill in mind and visit nearby Elkader.

It's truly a beautiful area.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

~ Confucius

Happy Trails!

Judy