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Grist Mill
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The Conklin Grist Mill

gristmill.jpg
Conklin Grist Mill with Conklin Hotel & Railroad Cars in Background

A roller grist mill operated in Conklin from about 1890 until 1933.  Manufacturing Four Rose Flour, a group of farmers, incorporated as the Patrons of Industry (not to be confused with the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry), built and operated the mill for many years. 

 

Located on the north side of Miller Street, just east of the railroad tracks, the mill purchased grain and beans and milled a variety of feeds and flour.   Lorenzo M. Smith, an experienced miller, purchased the mill and operated it until his retirement when he sold it to Herman I. McMillan.  After about ten years, Mr. McMillan sold the mill to the Peoples Milling Company, a large corporation located in Muskegon.  Mr. McMillan continued working at the mill as an employee and Arthur Conrad served as manager.  The mill burned to the ground in 1933 and was never rebuilt.

 

 

The Coopersville Observer, Friday,  July 31, 1931

 

 
The King Grist Mill in Lisbon

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The King Mill in Lisbon, before 1900

Chester Township
Ottawa County
Michigan, USA