GREENVILLE, Ohio - One of Ohio's last remaining operational water-powered mills is still grinding grain the old-fashioned way in Darke County. Bear's Mill, located just east of Greenville, continues to preserve its 19th-centruy heritage while serving the community as a historical and cultural site.

Originally built in 1849 by Gabriel Baer, the four-story mill was constructed using massive, hand-hewn timber beams nearly 50 feet long. It has operated almost continuously since its opening on January 1, 1850, when Baer's family first put the Mill to use.

Today, the Mill still functions by grinding grain into flour and meal using French Buhr millstones and traditional slow-grind techniques. These flours produced are sold on-site. 

"There are no typical days!" said the current mill operator, Sophie Nieport. "Some visitors have been here many times and are wanting to purchase some staples for their kitchen, some haven't been since they were kids and are excited for the nostalgic throwback, and some have never been to the Mill before."

The structure remains almost entirely original to 1849.

"The stones we still use to make flour were brought over on a ship in 1849 to Ohio from a stone quarry in France. These French Buhr stones are so much harder than stones found here in the United States, and last much longer," said Nieport.

Upgrades have been made to the mill over the years, with a major restoration project completed this past winter. 

"We reinforced everything with concrete pillars and steel beams. This will ensure the Mill will last another 176 years," said Nieport. The restoration project earned Bear's Mill the Best Commercial Rehab Project for a Small Community Award from Heritage Ohio.

Bear's Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and a nonprofit, Friends of Bear's Mill, was formed to ensure its preservation. In 2020, it was approved and transferred to the Darke County Park District.

"Having Darke County Parks own the Mill has benefited in every way possible. More funding is available for upkeep, more public access and view of the building and property, and more stability for the future of the Mill, it is not going anywhere!" Nieport said.

The Mill is open and free to the public Tuesday through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their website for more information. 

Image provided by Sophie Nieport.