Ortonville – Their mantra is “where there’s a Mill, there’s a way.”
Results similar to the tried and true tune of, “where there’s a will, there’s a way” the Ortonville Community Historical Society is bringing new life into the Old Mill.
In mid-August, two new exhibits at the mill have been drawing in new faces to the old feature.
The first is the Old Mill General Store, set up and run entirely by volunteers.
OCHS members Bonnie Kerin and Dean Fally have done structural improvements, along with Tom Stowell, Jenny Roberts, Agnes, Oakley, Linda Coomer, and Marilyn Sally.
“We’re getting the building cleaned up so people want to come in and visit,” said OCHS member, Bonnie Kerin.
As if it’s a natural feature of the mill, a working general store exhibit has been set up, by volunteers, to draw visitors into the mill.
The mill entrance area has been recreated and constructed into the charm of a turn of the century store, complete with a century old counter that was once used at the at the C.F. Smith Store on Mill Street, where the party store is now located.
The wood which houses the store displays came from the old Civil War era Auten barn, which was torn down years ago and the wood donated to the mill this summer. Most probably, it was milled on sight, according to Dean Fally, who built the general store enclosure.
“You can resurrect things to make them something else,” beamed Kerin.
“It’s nice to see people donate Ortonville items so other people can be told about it,” Kerin said. “A nice way to keep heritage of the community going.”
“We are trying to solicit artifacts from the turn of the century to 1934 for the store.” .
“We want to create a display to tie into the Mann Schoolhouse.”
Currently volunteers are looking for two antique general store-type lamps and a brass cash register.
“Many hours have been spent organizing the mill so that the artifacts make sense and it flows,” said Kerin.
“We want more people to learn about Ortonville,” said Kerin.
As both learning tools and commemorative items for purchase, the General Store has an inventory of Ortonville- related gift items such as linen towels, pot holders, Amish spices, tee-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, tote bags and coffee cups.
“A lot of people want things from Ortonville but there is very little you can buy,” said Kerin. “We’re trying to offer that.”
Children who attend the Mann schoolhouse are able to purchase homemade soaps, doll kits, ball and jacks, puddle jumpers, yo-yos, chalkboard sets, jump ropes, and postcards.
The Mann Schoolhouse, which sits on the grounds of the Old Mill, holds classes for Brandon school children in the spring.
Rugs made on the mill loom, by Marilyn Featherston and Grace Giesler, can also be purchased by a waiting list. The loom and grist mill are in working order and several OCHS members are learning to use them.
“This is a hands-on learning experience for anyone who enters the store,” said Kerin.
The store and the Grist Mill Cafe are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During Septemberfest the General Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Mill will be hosting an antique market as an addition to the Septemberfest activities.