New Website Created and Uploaded - April 2007

August 21, 2007 - The Pine Run Creek swelled and overflowed it's banks again today causing the mill property to flood. Several campers that belong to volunteers were in danger of being flooded and potentially swept away. Quick action from Mohican RV Center, Terry Thatcher from Thatcher Excavating, Doug Shannon from Mohican Adventures, Vicki Gordon and several employees from Mohican State Park spoiled Mother Natures attempt on the campers and averted a disaster. Thanks to everyone who helped with this rescue.

 

A Message From The President: February 2008

GRIST MILL GROUP- A WONDERFULL, AMAZING ORGANIZATION.

About 10 years ago my family and I were camping at Mohican State Park when we discovered the Grist Mill there. It had been neglected for years, no windows or doors, leaking roof, unsafe floors and a walk bridge that could barely support itself. Upon inquiring as to what was going to be done with the historic mill, I was informed that the Parks did not have the funding to make any repairs and it was slated for demolition. Being an historic restoration contractor my whole life, I felt there had to be a way to save this wonderful building. That’s when the idea was born to form a non-profit, Friends of the Mill Group.

In the beginning, there was some skepticism as whether such a huge undertaking could be successful, but that skepticism has long since disappeared. Together with community leaders, the all-volunteer friends group was formed in 2000. The group leases the mill and about 50 acres from Mohican State Park. Today the mill has been restored to operating condition and a log

Mark Smith & Dan West Chief of Ohio State Parks

cabin that was moved to the property several years ago is nearing completion. Seven other historic log cabins have been donated and moved to the site.  We also are currently negotiating for an additional 8-9 log cabins that may be donated soon. Our overall plan is the completion of an historic village on the property, in order to preserve a vanishing part of our heritage for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

To date, this dedicated group of volunteers have donated over 16,000 man hours and raised nearly $400,000.00 for the project.  Support for the mill is wide with the funds coming from hundreds of supportive donors. Of the funds raised, 98% has been used for material purchases while the remainder has paid for services we were unable to obtain on a donation basis. There are no paid workers on this project, we are all volunteers. In the last seven years there have been thousands upon thousands of visitors to the mill. During the 2007 season,  nearly 18,000 visitors came through our gates.  We are always looking for more volunteers and donations to continue this worth while project.

 

I am very proud to be able to work with such an amazing group of dedicated people!

Mark J. Smith, Founder & Pres.
Norwalk, OH
Friends of Wolf Creek / Pine Run Grist Mill
Loudonville, Ohio