Pears Mill - Buchanan, Michigan
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 41° 49.560 W 086° 21.631
16T E 553104 N 4630655
Water powered flour mill in Buchanan, Michigan
Waymark Code: WM2V35
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 12/23/2007
Views: 47
Pears Mill
Built in 1853
Pears Mill (pronounced "Peers") was constructed in a in a simple
Italianate/Greek Revival style. Pears Mill is the only remaining of 13
known water-powered mills built along Buchanan's McCoy Creek during the 19th
century. The mill was used to grind both wheat flour and corn meal.
In 1983 the structure was still in used as farmers co-op and had
been altered by many additions and was completely sheathed in corrugated steel.
At that time the business ceased operations the the mill was slated for
demolition. However preservationists recognized the hidden beauty of the
old mill with its hand-hewn post and beam construction, 12 over 12 windows and
fieldstone basement. Efforts by the Buchanan Preservation Society saved
the building and restored it to its original form.
The water mill is now open and operates on Saturdays from
Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no
admission however donations are appreciated.. When the mill is open the
tours are conducted showing the complete operations of the water-powered mill.
The gift shop has flour and meal ground at the mill available for purchase.
Additional information is available at this
website.
