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Ranger Clark fires up
mill during Fall Open House
Bears Mill, Darke County, Ohio...
By Bob Robinson
Holding a single shot musket in one hand and some lead “balls” in the
other, Ranger Clark told the tour group that in order to re-load more
quickly, people used to put the extra balls in their mouths…
“Sometimes they’d swallow them,” he said. Then, in a day or two, they’d
relieve themselves naturally of the lead… hence the phrase “get the
lead out.”
“That will be on the quiz,” Clark said.
What did this have to do with a 163-year-old mill just east of
Greenville in Darke County, Ohio? Nothing. But it got everyone’s
attention.
Clark then explained how the phrase “keep your nose to the grindstone”
originated, noting that would be on the quiz also. And so began the
dissertation on the “burr” stones used to grind corn and wheat at
historic Bears Mill, Ohio.
“Ranger” Terry Clark, a Vietnam veteran who makes his living driving
trucks, and his wife, Julie, whom he refers to as a “starving artist,”
saved the Mill from being dismantled and moved to an Ohio theme park
when they put in a bid of their own and purchased it. Since then,
“Miller” Clark, sometimes known as Mayor Clark (Julie once noted that
she has no idea what name he will assume next) has put Bears Mill on
the map. Literally.
He petitioned for the recognition – as its mayor – and now Bear’s Mill,
Ohio can be found on maps created by recognized mapmakers, such as Rand
McNally.
Bears Mill is a functioning water-powered mill that grinds its own
grain, which is then processed and sold, along with related products,
in the mill store. While Terry and Julie remain the owners, the mill is
kept operating through the time, donations and fundraising efforts of a
volunteer organization, “Friends of Bears Mill.”
Clark has also worked to provide the mill’s own version of
water-powered “green” energy. While planning is still “in progress,”
the mill can produce its own electricity for lights and, recently, heat.
The tales that can be told about Ranger Mayor Miller Clark are many…
tour participants barely scratch the surface as he takes them through
the history and “workings” of the mill he operates just as it was
operated over 150 years ago.
Downstairs, visitors are treated to the displays of sculpture by Gary
Hovey (“Amazing sculpture created from everyday flatware”) and
paintings by David Hovey (“My work tells stories through figurative oil
portraits”). They can also find many of the products created by the
mill, as well as other specialty items that will only be found in Bears
Mill, Ohio.
Outside they enjoyed food, popcorn and other treats offered as Fall
Open House fundraisers. The more adventurous followed a path leading
behind and south of the mill. There is a special Vietnam memorial, and
further down, the dam that diverts the water to the creek that powers
the mill.
Bears Mill is a tribute to the ingenuity of early Darke County pioneers
in a beautiful, natural setting. While the pleasures of the mill are
offered year around, catching a Mayor Clark tour, such as was offered
during the Legendary Fall Open House, is a special treat… not to be
missed if it can be helped.
Scheduled events that might provide the same opportunity include the
Christmas Preview the third weekend in November, and the Candlelight
Walk, the first Friday evening in December.
While there, you might
consider asking about my book, “God Don’t Make Junk.” A limited number
of copies are still available.
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