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Unique
historical asset in one special place
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Among many of Darke County’s “bragging rights,” such as
Darke County Parks, Darke County Center for the Arts, Garst Museum and
more, is a “biological gem” just a few miles east of Greenville on U.S.
36. The crossroad is Arcanum-Bears Mill Road. Just south of the
intersection is Bear’s Mill. It sits on 37 acres of land.
Greenville Creek runs through the land, not only powering the Mill, but
offering a resting place and home to over 44 species of birds and 37
species of trees. Wildlife includes the badger and other small animals.
Regardless of the season, the enterprising photographer will find
limitless opportunities to build (or add to) an historical or
ecological portfolio. The starkness of winter on Dec. 14 is shown in
the north side of the Mill as the creek leaves the turbines below the
structure to continue its journey north. On the south side of the Mill
is a walking path to the dam diverting the route of the creek to the
Mill’s turbines. Due to the recent weather pattern, the creek’s surface
to the south is frozen. To the north it runs freely.
According to Merri Niekamp, outreach director for the Mill, there’s so
much people don’t know about it. In a recent ecological survey, the
Mill and its 37 acres were referred to as “a unique historical asset in
one special place.”
Niekamp worked for previous owners Terry and Julie Clark; she now works
for the new owners, Friends of the Mill, a 501c3 corporation.
“Things are going well,” she said. “The sale was final in October.
We’ve had a lot of board meetings… we’re working on board development,
planning, committee structures, short- and long-term goals… the basics
of our strategic planning.”
She was quick to point out the grant the Friends obtained was an
acquisition grant (to purchase the mill) only. The organization will
continue to follow its funding goals as before: grants, the Mill Store
and Art Gallery, and individual and business donations. They have more
than 200 Friends of the Mill and a dozen corporate friends.
“Corporate support will be a strong focus this year,” she said.
In addition to its seasonal open houses and variety of other events,
the mill conducts individual and group tours for clubs, home school
groups and schools. The cost is $5 per person and is conducted by
former owner and “Bears Mill Ranger” Terry Clark, and their Bears Mill
docent Lois Smith. It includes coffee, water and cookies, as well as a
free sample and recipe from the Mill Store. The tour is for groups of
15 or more and must be scheduled in advance. Niekamp said all ages
enjoy the tours, however school tours typically work best with fourth
graders, as their focus is Ohio history.
On most Saturdays (call to confirm), Ranger Clark also conducts a free
tour at 2 p.m.
During January and February, Bear’s Mill is open Thursday through
Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the year the Mill is open daily 11
to 5. The phone number is 548-5112.
Published courtesy
of The Early Bird
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