Did you know that thirteen mills had once lined McCoy Creek in Buchanan, Michigan? Pears Mill, built in 1857-58, is currently the only existing mill along the millrace. Pronounced “Peers” the Greek Revival flour mill still operates. Join us as we investigate this engineering marvel which has been carefully restored by the Buchanan Preservation Society.
The current wooden water wheel, powering the millstones, had been repaired in 2007.
Buchanan, Michigan
The area surrounding McCoy Creek had first been settled by Europeans in 1828, alongside the Potawatomi. Later the town had been renamed for President James Buchanan, who served our nation from 1857 – 1861. Today, Buchanan has just over 4,000 residents.
The Millrace – Water Power
The northern branch of McCoy Creek flows northeast through downtown Buchanan. With a natural sixty foot downward grade into the St. Joseph River, people began harnessing the water power by building thirteen mills along McCoy Creek.
The first time this millrace had been dug out had been in 1847. The men had worked for two years to optimize the water power. This canal has needed maintenance throughout the decades.
Photo Credit: Buchanan Preservation Society.
Once again today, Pears Mill receives its power from this millrace. The City of Buchanan McCoy Creek Watershed Project has worked tirelessly since 2012 to ensure the millrace is flowing properly.
As a result, the Millrace continues to flow through the neighborhood and downtown bringing water-power to the backside of Pears Mill. The gate can be lifted and lowered to by turning the wheel. This directs the water to flow over the wooden paddle-wheel which turns the mill stone inside.
Pears Mill
When this water-powered marvel had been owned by its builder, William Bainton, it had been the largest producer of flour in Berrien County according to the 1860 census. Bainton had processed 170,000 bushels of wheat into 40,000 barrels of flour which had been valued at $240,000.
In 1863 Bainton had sold the mill to Ross, Pears & Clark. The next year the group had sold it again to partners, David Rough and William Pears.
Steam Engine Added
With an attempt to meet demand and apply new technology, Pears and Rough had added a steam engine in 1881 to increase power. The water wheel had become secondary to the steam engine. There had been other equipment updates as well.
Disputed Ownership
In 1886 the partners had closed the mill so they could make further updates. Their plan had been to add a turbine which could create electricity.
For at least six years the mill had remained closed as ownership had to be ‘sorted out.’ By 1900 William Pears had the business re-opened as a feed mill.
Buchanan Farm Bureau
Pears Mill had been converted to electricity in the 1930’s. In 1933 Buchanan Farm Bureau had purchased the mill and kept the operation running for nearly fifty years as the Buchanan Co-Op. By 1945 the last water-powered machine had been disconnected, converting the power entirely to electrical lines.
Pears Mill Restored
Closing in 1983, the Buchanan Co-Op sold the mill to the city. After more than a century, Pears Mill had fallen into disrepair. The city had plans to demolish this structure.
Four sixty-foot oak beams had been harvested locally and support the building today.
Determined citizens from the Buchanan Preservation Society had proposed a campaign to save the mill. These dedicated, hardworking volunteers were honored with the deed in 1984. The team began restoring the mill. After four years of continuous work, the mill was once again harnessing water-power and functioning as it had in the 1860’s.
Open on Summer Saturdays
Since its re-opening in 1988, each Saturday, during the summer months, the mill operates under the guidance of volunteers. Not only do they demonstrate how the mill functions, grinding wheat into flour, but there are many historic happenings: blacksmith demonstrations, basket weaving, spinning wool, weaving woolen thread, making corn husk dolls and wheat ornaments. Several times each year home-baked pies are sold as a fundraiser called, “Pies for Preservation.”
Pondering The Past
I marvel at this opportunity to step back into the era of a water-powered mill. The impact of witnessing the mill stones grinding kernels of wheat into a fluffy powder creates an understanding of the ingenuity of men and an appreciation for the process it takes to make our bread. The masses of people nourished by the work completed here, along with the dedicated volunteers today, brings a flow of emotion over my skin. Walking through this rich legacy brings our past within our grasp.
Related Links:
Join the Buchanan Preservation Society at their website. Chuck and I joined under the ‘business membership’ category.
Join us on our YouTube journey along US 12 with a stop at Buchanan’s Pears Mill.
Resources:
Buchanan Life is Better Here website
Buchanan Preservation Society website
Pears Mill Facebook page
