Historic Bears Mill
2012 Legendary Fall Open House Oct. 6 & 7 

The Friends of Bear’s Mill will be holding their annual Legendary Fall Open House on Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.  The event will include free guided tours and grinding demonstrations by Master Miller Terry at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 both days.  Visitors will also be entertained on Saturday by multi-instrumentalists Brian Keith Wallen & Alexis Klosinski, Bob Behringer playing the Native American flute and local artists Cinder Home.  On Sunday, Steve Ward of Springfield and Ron & Elaine Marshall of Versailles will both be playing guitar and singing familiar songs, everything from rock to country, adult contemporary to alternative.  This event is free to the public.  Donations are greatly appreciated. 

“The mission of the Friends of Bear’s Mill is to provide a rich cultural experience and community-oriented events including educational tours, demonstrations and nature walks while preserving the Mill’s historical significance and natural beauty,” said Outreach Manager Merri Niekamp.  “This is a fun, family-oriented event that appeals to young and old alike.  Bear’s Mill offers a beautiful fall setting that encourages the community to come out and celebrate the harvest and changing of the seasons with nature . . . take in some history, grab a bowl of delicious bean soup with cornbread, perch on a straw bale and relax to some local entertainment,” Ms. Niekamp concluded. 

In addition to stoneground flours and meals, the Mill Store offers kitchen and gourmet goods as well as Boston Stoker Coffees and Bakehouse Breads.  Original pottery by the Bear’s Mill potters, giftware and women’s jewelry and accessories are also available for sale.  The gallery at Bear’s Mill will feature the October artists for the ‘Art at the Mill’ series.  Included will be the sculptures by Gary Marcinowski as well as photography by Fred Niles, both professors of visual art at the University of Dayton.  “Unique new items are coming in daily,” stated Julie Clark, Retail Manager.  “And of course we have the traditional pumpkins, gourds and bittersweet that everyone looks forward to displaying in celebration of the autumn season,” she explained. 

Bear’s Mill, a working national landmark, is operated by the Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization.  Bear’s Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville.  For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or visit www.bearsmill.com.