Historic Bowens Mills

2011-04-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Celebration of Spring! Bowens Mills

2011-04-13T05:36:00.001-07:00

Yeah! It is finally SPRING!

2010-12-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

Bowens Mills Wedding for a lifetime Presents:

2011 Bridal Show, February 12, 10am - 4pm

2010-12-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived at Bowens Mills! Christmas will be here soon!

2009-11-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

Historic Bowens Mills Calendar

2009 Christmas Schedule:
Call 269-795-7530 for an appointment for Christmas Photos with Bowens Mills Studios

Neal H. Cook - Bowens Mill History

2009-10-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

Neal H. Cook
Bowens Mills History
The Past Lives Again at Historic Bowens Mills
Researched & Written by Neal & Marion Cook
Re-edited in 1999 by Carleen Sabin
In 1836 Montermer B. Martin, a land speculator, came to Barry County and Purchased land from the government, President Martin Van Buren signing the contracts. This land was located in the north west part of Yankee Springs Township, parts of Sec. 8 and 17. The lake which is now known as Payne Lake was included in this tract.
Of course, one of the first things needed in those early days of Barry County was a sawmill. Soon a Mr. Payne and his son-in-law built a dam and a sawmill where two creeks joined just north of the lake. It was powered by a water wheel with a 4 foot fall and they were soon sawing 1,000 foot of lumber a day. The creeks became known as Payne and Hoag Creaks (Hoag Creek’s Name has since been changed to Cobb Creek.)
About 1838, Nathan Barlow, a lawyer, purchased some land which included the sawmill. Seeing the added potential of more water power a quarter or a mile or so up the creek, Mr. Barlow relocated the mill to its present location. History tells us he used many of the original timbers. Ox teams were used to transport them. Upon building the wooden dam across the creek, the water was backed up 14-feet, making the Mill Pond and in turn flooded the two ponds upstream, making the lake which was named Barlow Lake.
The Barlows also built the house on the east side of the old Mill Pond. It was there in that house that court was held and legal matters taken care of. The house is now owned and is being restored by the O’Dells.
Around 1854 the sawmill changed hands again, when Timothy and Franklin Miles bought it. More and more People were coming to the area and lumber was in great demand for their homes. Miles wanted to increase his production so he ordered some new equipment from New York State. His new "Muley Saw Mill" was delivered by ox team. He could now saw 7,000 feet of lumber a day. O. C. Bates owned the saw mill for about 1 1/2 years before selling to the Bowens. History dose not reveal any details of his ownership.
The Edwin H. Bowen’s moved to Yankee Springs from Ohio in 1864 and acquired the sawmill. Bowen and his son William soon added a grist mill with three levels to the operation. The mill was 24’ X 48’ and housed 2 sets of French Burr Stones. The Mill and surrounding area soon became known as "Bowens Mills". Before it was always known as Gun Lake, Michigan. E H. Bowen was made Postmaster and the mail was kept in a large basket in the family home, where the farmers from the surrounding country would call as often as twice a week for their letters. The mail was carried by stagecoach from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, someone meeting the coach at Wayland to carry the mail to Gun Lake. Later a wooden letter holder was made and put in the Mill’s Office. It is still there.
In the early 1870’s, rumors were flying around about the railroad coming through Bowens Mills, going from grand Rapids to Battle Creek. When it did, it would mean all the more people would be settling along its path. In that case, the Mill wouldn’t be large enough to handle all the needs. Mr. Bowen wanted to be ready for it, so the roof of the mill was taken off and a fourth level was added. When the railway did come, it followed the Thornapple River and never did come to Bowens Mills.
About this same time William Bowen was courting Adeline Richards. They were married on December 31, 1874, and built the house across the road from his parents (the old Saw Millers house). This house has been owned by various people over the years, but was obtained in 1984 by Neal and Marion Cook, and then purchased and restored by their daughter and son-in-law, Owen and Carleen Sabin that now own and run the Mill and property.
In 1902 Mr. Bowen purchased a huge ‘Albright’ Cider press from Burdette Briggs. A room 18 X 24 was added on the side of the mill to house it.
Bowens Mills had become famous for it buckwheat flour and old-timers tell of how in the fall, the horses and wagons were backed all through town with their loads of apples - waiting their turn at the cider press.
About the turn of the century disaster struck the mill several times. The sawmill had previously been converted from water power to the newest source of power of the time "steam". Two of the mill workers had fired up the old stationary engine and were waiting to get full head of steam. The safety valve stuck. Soon there was a big explosion and they both were killed. Not long after that the old wood dam went out, taking with it the penstock and causing massive destruction. The sawmill was washed away along with a portion of the wall of the lower level of the grist mill. It is hard to imagine the extent of the damage, even as one views the old photos taken shortly after it happened.
The Bowens sold out to a Mr. Lanson Kieney in 1912 and Mark and Mary Richie bought the property about a year later, owning it until 1922 when Elam and Minnie (Norris) Springer purchased it.
During most of the 37 years that the Springers owned the mill it was a hub of activity. Grinding flour and grist, making cider and vinegar and also being used as a pickle weigh station. The Springers even had a little store and gas pump.
In the winter of 1943 disaster struck again. Muskrats had been digging around the dam which weakened the wall and suddenly, one cold winter night, it gave way. The penstock was destroyed and almost all of the stone wall of the lower level was washed downstream. The mill was left teetering on the two short foundation walls which were still intact. Most of the contents of the basement were never found. What a heartache this must have been for Mr. Springer, who was 71 years of age at the time. Once again, old photos reveal what an awesome job the repairs would entail. However, Mr. Springer went right to work on it, and by fall had the old mill all patched up again.
Business was slow, all the surrounding communities had built up mills and kept them updated with the latest and fastest equipment. With the modern means of transportation, many farmers preferred to go where they could to their milling and their shopping as well in one trip. In 1953 the mill ceased to operate as a business after approximately 113 years of continual service to the people of Barry County.
Around 1955 the mill was sold to Neal and Helen Engle. Their primary use of it was to use its property to raise pickles on its acreage, doing so for about four seasons. When it became harvest time, the Engles hired migrant workers to help and the old mill became home to as many as 30 Mexicans for several weeks each year. They brought their own cots, stove, tables and chairs and used the pond for bathing. They loved the old mill and were happy there. The sound of their guitars and singing could be heard far into the night.
The Engles also made cider a couple of times soon after they bought the Mill. They belted up the old press to a tractor. Over the years the power source had been converted from water, to steam, to an old ‘one -lunger’ gasoline engine.
Four families bought the mill from the Engles in 1971. They were Gorden & Willonore Fuhr, Dick & Martha Shaw, Bill & Beverly Slade and David & Carolin Dimmers. They replaced the windows and doors vandals had destroyed and did a basic clean up job.
In 1972 the state erected a marker renaming Bowens Mills a "Michigan Historical Site". It was opened for tours several times over the 7 years of their ownership.
In the fall of 1978 Neal and Marion Cook bought the mill and began the restoration project. As the saying goes, "the worse use is no use". The mill had set more or less idle for over 30 years, the water power and grindstones had not been used for nearly 40 years, some of the foundations were crumbling, various timbers were decaying and time had taken its toll. Today thanks Marion and Neal Cook with the help of family and friends and many years of work, all four levels of the mill have been restored. The old mill is now a living museum dedicated to the early pioneers of Barry County and their ingenuity. The main floor is open to the public by appointment May through August. "It’s Cider Time Festivals" begin the second weekend in September and run through the end of October. At this time the mill and its grounds come alive as the past lives again. Old time demonstrations, Civil War camps, live old time music, costumed craftsmen, and blacksmiths are just a sampling of the exciting things that are happening through the fall fund raising season.
In the lower level there is the power section along with a blacksmith shop and water powered machine shop. This area is open on festival days. The main floor is open to the public and is a museum with artifacts from the 1800’s and houses the grist and cider mills. Folks are amazed to see the water rush through the massive turbine as the grindstones slowly turn, and golden kernels of corn are transformed into fresh cornmeal, which is still for sale. Every weekend in the fall the huge old cider press is put into action and bushels and bushels of apples become gallons and gallons of cider in just moments.
The former grain storage and workshop on the third level have been transformed from a rustic sprawling area, to a cozy home by Neal and Marion Cook in 1978, where now the second generation millers Owen Sabin and Carleen Sabin live. Many of the old beams have been left exposed, which adds a handsome richness throughout the living quarters. Marion hand stenciled the walls, a wood stove and the grain elevator shafts add to the quaintness.
The Fourth level is a recreation of the old workshop along with a cobblers shop. Many of the huge gears and much of the ancient machinery still remain intact and can be seen when this floor is open for tours.
In the old days, a trip to the mill was a big event. It gave the folks a chance to meet friends they hadn’t seen for a long time and to catch up on all the latest news, as they waited for their turn to come up. People now come from miles around, to see and feel the way things were done by their ancestors in the days gone by.
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Proverbs 22:28
Water Powered Stone Ground Cornmeal Demonstration French Burr Stones, Old Historic Bowens Mills,
Antique engineering Bowen's first top best most visited historic site Michigan history land mark
tourist attraction Weddings & Family Gatherings & Tours, see fun family Place, Apple Mill 1864 Fall Festivals, State Site
Photography Studio tours Water Powered, Stone Ground, Cornmeal, Demonstration, French Burr Stones, Historic Bowens Mills,
Antique, historic site, in Michigan great historical land mark,
Tourist attraction, Wedding Location, Cider Mill, Grist Mill, Water Wheel, Log Cabin, Covered Bridge, One room school house,
Wood working Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Pioneer farm, farm animals,
Events, Bowens Mills Studio, Tours, Photography

The 19 acre Historical Park now consists of :

● 1864 Grist & Cider Mill The antiquated four-story building’s main floor houses a working Water Powered Cider Mill
● 1840’s two story Plank House, the oldest house in Bowens Mills
● 1850’s One Room School House, moved to the mill, the oldest one room school house in Barry County
● 1860’s 11 room Victorian House built by the Bowens
● A Post & Beam Barn, home of Belgian Draft Horses and many other farm animals.
● A Quaint Covered Bridge crosses the Old Mill Stream
● 17 foot Water Wheel completed in 1999
● “Ye Ole Craft Shoppe” an artisans woodworking and coopers shop
● “The Bowens Mills Gathering Place” a huge Arts & Entertainment Center for displays, social events, meetings, conferences, & performances plus a Gift and Antique Shop
● “Fork River Trappers Trading Post” A Log Cabin that was completed in 2002
● "Granny's Kitchen" Restaurant prepares Hot Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream, warm Donuts, Chili, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad and drinks. Cider by the glass or by the gallon are also obtainable.
● "The Saw Millers Cabin" down by the Old Mill Stream
● "Line Camp Cabin" located near the "Trappers Trading Post
School and Group Tours with horse drawn rides are also available. (Group Leaders, Teachers, and Clubs may call for special tour arrangements.) Historic Bowens Mills also offers private parties, family gatherings and small group tours, the opportunity to create your own “Choose your Adventure” package. Your package can include choices of wonderful memories like horse drawn rides or snacks by the fire, along with some of your own ideas to make your party or event "personalized" and of your own special choosing. Wedding packages, Company Picnics, Family Gatherings are also available. Meetings and private parties are offered on the grounds or in any one of the historical buildings.

Historic Bowens Mills is an 1864 Grist Mill and Cider Mill. It is a working museum that still grinds and sells fresh corn meal through the use of water-powered mill stones. It is a second generation family-owned and operated state historic site with no state or county funding. The restorations and upkeep depend upon It's Cider Time Festival gate fees, special events and donations. The "It’s Cider Time Festival" gate fee for adults is $5.00, Children 12 and under $3.00. Thank you for your support in helping us preserve history for future generations.
The Old & Majestic Mill is located Midway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Near Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, Michigan where people come often. Because - from the first explosion of colorful wildflowers in the spring to the refreshing coolness of summer to the fall extravaganza in red and gold to the stark beauty of snow-covered trees in the winter - each season provides visitors with a completely different pallet of awesome natural beauty.
We hope you’ll take the time to enjoy all that there is to see and to do Bowens Mills. Some find the quiet of the historical park a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Others draw energy and inspiration from the outdoor experience. But all who come here are enriched in some way by the magnificent beauty of nature and history when they visit.
Park entrance located at 55 Briggs Rd. Middleville MI www.BowensMills.com

It's Cider Time Bowens Mills

2009-09-17T04:27:00.000-07:00

"IT'S CIDER TIME" at Historic Bowens Mills

A Fall Feature Living History, Cider Pressing Demonstrations, on gigantic 100 year old, antique water powered, cider press; and stone ground corn grinding demonstrations on huge original water turbine powered grind stones along with many other history related activities. during our fall fund-raising season. Festivals begin at the end the first Sunday of October featuring Living History Encampments, Old-Time Music, Farm Animal Petting Area, and Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides along with many other history related activities. Cider, Donuts, are available near the large shaded picnic area. The fun starts at 12:00 noon and lasts until 5:00 P.M. Sundays in October.

2008 Mountain Men Encampment

2008-09-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

Historic Bowen's Mills, "It's Cider Time Festivals Mountain Men and Colonial Fiber Weekend" the second of 3 great festival weekends. There will be cider making & water powered cornmeal grinding demonstrations, "Fork River Free Trappers" living history encampment, barnyard horse pulls, sheep shearing and fiber related activities, along with horse-drawn wagon rides and good food. The fun begins at 12 noon and lasts until 5pm both Saturday and Sunday.

The old 1800's cider press will be making cider as folks watch, in awe, and learn how cider was pressed in the old days. The water powered Grist Mill will also be grinding fresh corn meal through out the weekend. It operates by a water turbine. The turbine is like a large fan lying on its side, located in the water directly beneath the old "French Burr" mill stones on the first level of the mill.
The water turbine migrated from the water wheel about one hundred years ago. The development occurred during the Industrial revolution, using scientific principles and methods. At that time they also made use of new materials and manufacturing methods that were also developed then.

The word turbine was coined by the French engineer Claude Bourdin in the early 19th century and is derived from the Latin word for "whirling" or a "vortex". The main difference between early water turbines and water wheels is a swirl component of the water which passes energy to a spinning rotor. This additional component of motion allowed the turbine to be smaller than a water wheel of the same power. They could process more water by spinning faster and could harness much greater heads.

A special feature of the cider festival will be "The Fork River Free Trappers" mountain men encampment. "The Fork River Free Trappers" take their name from the Thornapple River, called the Fork River by early settlers, after the indian expression meaning "river of the two tongues."

"The Fork River Free Trappers" have been very instrumental in numerous restorations at Historic Bowens Mills. In 1989 they cleared the overgrown area along the old mill stream where they now hold their camp. In 1990 they replaced the roof on the Moe School. After working for several summers they completed the mill's water wheel in 1999. Their latest venture was the building of the log "Fork River Trading Post" in 2002. The "Fork River Trading Post" is a grand addition to the park, displaying the way trappers would have sold or traded their wares during the fur trading era.

Saturday at 1:30pm there will be a "Bowens Mills Volunteers Hall of Fame" ceremony. Clarence Rahn of Alto, MI will be inducted as first honorary member. Bowens Mills established the hall of fame this year, 2008 to honor individuals of noteworthy achievement through the years at the historical park. Each year during "It's Cider Time Festivals" they will be adding many names to the list of names, that have helped the park to succeed for over 30 years.

There will be Barn Yard (fun) Horse Pull on Saturday and Sunday. Both Pulls will be at 2:00pm. Horse pulling started around the 1860s when farming machines were pulled by horse, farmers would boast about the strength of their horses. They would claim that their horse could tow large loads, such as a fully loaded hay cart or wagon. Farmers would challenge one another to contests to prove who had the strongest horse. A barn door was removed and laid flat on the ground, the horse was then hitched to it and the farmer urged the horse to drag the barn door along the ground. One by one, people jumped on the door until the horse could no longer drag it; the horse pulling the most people the greatest distance was judged the strongest. This event, called horse pulling, is still carried out today. Instead of people, fixed weights on sleds are dragged 27 feet 6 inches. While it is said that the term horsepower is derived from this event, in reality the term was coined by James Watt.

In and around the 1840's Plank House, the oldest house in Bowens Mills, that was moved to the property in 1985, will be a nucleus of fiber activities. There will be spinning, weaving and fiber related crafts both days. There will also be sheep shearing demonstrations outside the post and beam barn near by.

“Granny’s Kitchen” will be serving their scrumptious, fresh baked hot apple dumplings with ice cream along with cider, homemade donuts, caramel apples. Delicious old fashion chili and hot dogs are also on the fall menu. All this good food and more are available in the large shaded picnic area down by the old mill stream, near the mill and water wheel.

When you enter “The Bowens Mills Gathering Place” it is like walking into a museum. The huge room holds a little of everything for visitors to take pleasure including “The Miller’s Wife Store.” The store has a large selection of collectables, antiques, books, jewelry and gift items along with fresh ground corn meal, Amish prepared, apple butter and peach butter. Cider by the glass or by the gallon are also obtainable.

Performing in the gathering place both days will be Terry Pennepacker of Hastings and various other area musicians. There will be a Bowens Mills photo display, by photographer Roger Thoreson of Hopkins, MI.

Many items will be on display for the silent auction that is located in the gathering place. The items for the silent auction will be displayed near the photo exhibit. The money being raised by the auction will be used for theatrical curtains for the stage. Donations are also being accepted.

The Mill was built in 1864 and is a Michigan State Historic Site. The antiquated four-story building’s main floor houses a working water-powered cider and grist mill that is a working museum. There is a blacksmith shop and a water-powered machine shop on the lower level. The third floor has been transformed into a quaint and cozy living quarters. The top floor stores some old machinery, gears, and pulleys that is part of the mills history.

The 19 acre pioneer park consists of an 1840’s two-story plank-style house, an 1850’s one-room school house, and an eleven-room Victorian house built by the Bowen family in the 1860’s. A post and beam barn is home to a team of Belgian draft horses and many other farm animals for visitors to enjoy, including sheep, miniature horses, goats, chickens and a Llama. The "Ye Ole Craft Shoppe" is an artisan’s woodworking and cooper shop. A quaint covered bridge crosses the old mill stream to where the seventeen-foot water wheel runs, "The Bowens Mills Gathering Place", an Arts and Entertainment Center and a log cabin called "The Fork River Trading Post", The "Saw Millers Cabin" by the old mill stream & a "Line Camp Cabin" where costumed craftsmen will be demonstrating and selling their wares both days. All of these areas are included in the festivals gate fee, along with a free relaxing wagon ride which tours the Mill property.

Historic Bowens Mills is second generation family-owned and operated State Historic Site that receives no state funding. Its mission is to preserve the history of Yankee Springs Township and Barry County for future generations to learn from and enjoy. All restorations and upkeep depend heavily upon volunteers, donations and gate fees. The festival gate fee for adults is $5.00, children 12years & under $3.00. Hours are from noon to 5pm each day.

Next weekend, October 11 & 12 "It's Cider Time Festivals" presents; Historic Bowens Mills, Civil War Days. Featuring a large Living History Encampment. There will be a battle at 3:00 pm with a full schedule of special events, including artillery demonstrations both days. Special Displays will include a variety of Civil War Exhibits. A special evening performance of "A Civil War Candlelight Tour of Bowens Mills" will be performed at Dusk. Separate tickets are required for the evening performance. They will be available at "The Miller's Wife Store" Folks are invited to bring their cameras and enjoy a day of family fun where “Where The Past Lives Again."

The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township mid-way between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, just 2 miles north of the Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park. One could take the 131 expressway to the Bradley exit traveling east on M-179 to Briggs Road, then turn north 1-1/2 mile to the Mill's entrance. Watch for the huge millstone marker on Briggs Road. Call 269-795-7530 or visit www.BowensMills.com

Map ● Re-enactor Registration Form ● Calendar

2008 Steam Show

2008-09-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

The First Cider Pressing of the Season as Bowens Mills

Celebrates 30 years of Preserving History

September 27 & 28 begins three weekends of rejoicing the harvest season. As a family welcomes back the public, to celebrate another year of cidering at Bowens Mills.

Hot apple dumplins', cider pressing on an antique press & cornmeal that is ground on the original equipment used in 1864, along with horse drawn rides, live music, an antique tractor display, a farm animal petting area and much more. As the celebration of the harvest season and a place in time, begins at Bowens Mills "Cider Time Festivals" with old time family fun.

30 years ago the late Neal Cook and his wife Marion with the help of their children, grand children, family and friends all joined together to resurrect a 19th- century water powered cider press located in an old mill near Middleville, Michigan. With great anticipation they watched as the first cider came oozing from the cider blankets and the huge press chugged along. There were big smiles and giggles of excitement as they sipped the first cider that day, and every fall from that year forward the fun continued. Today the second generation of millers, Owen & Carleen Sabin, take their turn offering, the sights and sips of cidering through the fall harvest festival time at the old mill.

The gigantic cider press, (which was not new at the time) was moved to the mill property in 1902. The old timers tell how it was in the old days, when horses and wagons loaded with their apples were lined all the way back into town, waiting their turn at the press. Today folks come from miles around to see the past live again as bushel and bushels of apples are made into gallons and gallons of cider on the old press.

A complex mixture of gears, pulleys, and belts rumble, clank and rattle overhead as a water-powered conveyor belt marches apples toward a giant, knife-filled hopper; the fruit is chopped into a huge apple salad. As every five bushels are processed, workers tuck them inside a cotton cloth to keep the skin and pulp inside. Up to seven layers consisting of five bushels each can be piled on top of each other for each pressing. After the layers are stacked up, the miller cranks a gear to place the apple pulp underneath a 50-ton press. Then it is a simple matter of waiting for the water pumps to build up enough pressure inside the cylindrical press to squeeze every last drop of sweet apple cider.

The 12-foot-tall press takes half an hour to press 100 gallons of cider from 35 bushels of apples. It is powered by the water from the mill pond, which originates at Barlow Lake, then passes through the mill and continues to Payne Creek and then to Payne Lake and eventually emptying into Gun Lake. The old press was moved into the mill used over 100 years ago and is still continues to press today for demonstration.

A tasty cider requires a mixture of apples. The best mixture would be some tart apples with some sweet apples and some acidy apples. Such a mixture could be Mackintosh, some Spy, and some Red Delicious. Some people even add pears to the press to give the cider a bit of a bite.

The process is the same as hundreds of years ago, but the names of the apples have changed from Russet, Pippin, and Maiden’s Blush to Jonathan, Macintosh, Rome and Spy.

The process for creating sweet apple cider remains virtually unchanged from the time that William Blaxton, a colonial settler, planted the first apple orchard on the slope of Boston’s Beacon Hill. The ingredients of real apple cider are simple: apples. No preservatives, no added colors, sugars or chemicals - just apples, apples and more apples. Since colonial times, when John Adams drank a tankard of cider every morning before breakfast, cider pressing has been a familiar sight at the harvest festival.

Autumn is a season of aromas, a time to taste what the summer has spent creating. Orchards full of ripe red apples dangling from gnarly, black branches seem to beacon an indulgence of the harvest.

Although orange juice is the number one fruit juice today, before 1930 apple juice was more popular. What’s the difference between apple juice and cider? Pure cider is unpasteurized and has no additives; pasteurized cider on the other hand is heated to kill bacteria and may contain additives. One six-ounce glass of cider contains only 87 calories along with calcium, potassium, iron and ascorbic acid. Drinking an eight ounce glass is like eating three large apples.

This special weekend will also have the added feature of Steam & Gasoline Engines along with many old time demonstrations. There will be a large display of antique tractors and a full schedule of events both days.

The engine event will be cosponsored by the Barry County Steam, Gas and Antique Machinery Association and is open to non club members also.

The ‘putt-putts’ of the old engines will be heard across the grounds. Numerous other steam and gasoline engines will also be displayed. Many will be working so that all can see how things were done in the old days.

There will be a full schedule of events both days.
12:00 Gates open for touring "The Show" & Historical Park
1:00 Cider Pressing & Water Power Cornmeal Grinding Demonstrations
1:30 Tractor Parade down by the Old Mill
2:00 Tractor Pull at the pulling track near Bowens Mills Gathering Place
3:00 Cider Pressing & Water Power Cornmeal Grinding Demonstrations
3:45 Threshing Demonstration followed by Hammermill Demonstration
4:30 Cider Pressing & Water Power Cornmeal Grinding Demonstrations

Historic Bowens Mills is a family owned and operated historical park. The goal of the second generation owners of the Mill is the same as their parent’s before them, to continue not only to preserve the history of the area of Yankee Springs, but to portray an image in the minds and eyes of all those who visit there; to give each one who visits a glimpse of the past, with the sights, sounds, and smells of the history that lies behind us, so that this generation can see and feel what those before us experienced, once upon a time.

Bowens Mills is a place beside the still waters of an old mill pond, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy world around us today. A place to take a step back in time, to that of the days of the 1800’s and specific times there after.

All of the historical buildings in the park will be open with costumed craftsmen demonstrating and selling their wares.
The 19 acre historical park consists of:
• 1864 four story water powered working Grist Mill
• 1800’s water powered working Cider Mill
• 1840’s two-story Plank House, the oldest house in Bowens Mills
• 1850’s one-room School House, the oldest in Barry County
• 1860’s 11 room Victorian House built by the Bowens
• A Post & Beam Barn and Pioneer Farm area, home to Belgian Draft Horses, Miniature Horses, Chickens, Sheep, a Goat and a Llama
• A Quaint Covered Bridge that crosses the Old Mill Stream
• 17 foot Water Wheel, completed in 1999
• "Ye Ole Craft Shoppe" an artisans woodworking & cooper shop.
• "The Fork River Trading Post" Log Cabin
• "The Bowens Mills Gathering Place" an Arts & Entertainment Center
• "The Saw Millers Cabin" down by the Old Mill Stream
• One-Room Restored "Line Camp Cabin" located near the "Trappers Trading Post"
• "The Miller’s Wife Store" with many items reminiscent of bygone days including; Bowens Mills Fresh Ground Corn Meal and Amish prepared Apple Butter and Peach Butter, antiques, books, jewelry and gift items.
• "Granny’s Kitchen" Restaurant prepares Hot Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream, warm Donuts, Chili, Hot Dogs, Cider by the glass and soft drinks.

Folks are encouraged bring their cameras and take a color tour through beautiful Yankee Springs Township and say "Yes to Yesterday" when you visit Historic Bowens Mills "It’s Cider Time Festivals".

October 4th & 5th Historic Bowens Mills Mountain Men Encampment & Colonial Fiber Weekend: Co-sponsored by the Fork River Free Trappers with a authentic Mountain Men & Trapper living history encampment. Colonial costumed craftsmen demonstrating and selling their works, Old fashion barnyard pull Saturday at 2:00pm, Horse drawn wagon rides, fleece spinning demonstrations both days.

October 11th & 12th Historic Bowens Mills Civil War Days: Featuring a large Living History Encampment. There will be a battle at 3:00 pm with a full schedule of special events, including artillery demonstrations both days. Special Displays will include a variety of Civil War Exhibits and Live Dulcimer Music.

ALL CIDER TIME FESTIVALS INCLUDE: Free Horse Drawn Wagon Ride with admission, Cider pressing demonstrations on the 100+ year old water-powered cider press, stone ground corn grinding demonstrations on the huge mill stones, Live Oldtime Music, Pioneer Farm with animals, along with many other history related activities. The "It’s Cider Time Festivals" are Saturdays & Sundays from noon to 5pm, gate fee for adults is $5.00, Children 12 years and under $3.00.

The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, MI just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park. Watch for the Huge Millstone Marker at 55 Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333. Visit www.BowensMills.com or call 269-795-7530 for more information..

Celebration of Spring

2008-04-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

This Saturday in April 19 "The Celebration of Spring" will Feature; Horses Plowing the fields, Sheep shearing demonstrations, Horse Drawn Rides, and Live Farm & baby animals, along with Springtime Photos, from noon to 5.
Bowens Mills is pleased to have Jerry Pepper as our sheep shearing demonstrator. Jerry, from just north of Allegan, Michigan and has been doing sheep shearing for more than 20 years. This is a rare opportunity to watch a master craftsman demonstrate his art and technique. He has adapted his own technique from the New Zeeland and the Australian sheep shearers. He has demonstrated sheep shearing all over the state of Michigan, for school groups, libraries, nursing homes and even in a shopping mall.
See the demonstrations and the skills of shearing that will give you a glimpse and understanding of the hard work and skills of days gone by during "The Celebration of Spring at Historic Bowens Mills".
There will be young animals displayed in the old fashion atmosphere of the Bowens Mills Gathering Place. See the new baby chicks, & bunnies inside the gathering place.
Bowens Mills Studios photographer Carleen Sabin will be on hand to take your springtime digital children’s and family portraits. Portraits taken with or without live bunnies. Photo CD's are $25.00.
There is no Admission fee to the Gathering Place for "The Celebration of Spring". Tickets into the park are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 12 and under. Each visitor to the park receives a free horse drawn wagon ride with their admission. Historic Bowens Mills Celebration of Spring! Old Fashioned Plow Day, Co-Sponsored by Bowens Mills Studios. There will be several teams of draft horses & plowing demonstrations though out the day. with Old Fashioned Barnyard Horse pull following.
The 19 acre Historical Park now consists of :
● 1864 Grist & Cider Mill The antiquated four-story building’s main floor houses a working Water Powered Cider Mill
● 1840’s two story Plank House, the oldest house in Bowens Mills
● 1850’s One Room School House, moved to the mill, the oldest one room school house in Barry County ● 1860’s 11 room Victorian House built by the Bowens ● A Post & Beam Barn, home of Belgian Draft Horses and many other farm animals.● A Quaint Covered Bridge crosses the Old Mill Stream ● 17 foot Water Wheel completed in 1999 ● “Ye Ole Craft Shoppe” an artisans woodworking and coopers shop ● “The Bowens Mills Gathering Place” a huge Arts & Entertainment Center for displays, social events, meetings, conferences, & performances plus a Gift and Antique Shop
● “Fork River Trappers Trading Post” A Log Cabin that was completed in 2002
● "Granny's Kitchen" Restaurant prepares Hot Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream, warm Donuts, Chili, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad and drinks. Cider by the glass or by the gallon are also obtainable.
● "The Saw Millers Cabin" down by the Old Mill Stream
● "Line Camp Cabin" located near the "Trappers Trading Post
The Yearly Calendar Consist of:
Celebration of Spring : The third Saturday in April Live Baby Animals, Horse Drawn Rides and Spring Photos Open - noon to 5 (no admission fee to Gathering Place) Admission to the Park $5.00 adults and $3.00 children 12 and under.

Festivals & Special Events:
Saturdays & Sundays Noon to 5 pm

It's Cider Time Festivals:
3 Great Festival Weekends of Old Fashioned Family Fun that include: First Cider Pressing, Steam & Gasoline Engine Show, Mountain Men Encampment, & Civil War Days.
End of Sept. thru Mid Oct. - Gate Fee $5 adults $3 Children 12 and under

It's Christmas at the Mill: (no admission fee o the Gathering Place)
Opens after Thanksgiving Sat. & Sun. till Christmas with Fresh Cut Trees, Photos with Santa and Horse Drawn Hay Rides. (Free Family Rides with purchase of Christmas Tree) We are into making family memories here at Historic Bowens Mills and we hope that you will join us.
School and Group Tours with horse drawn rides are also available. (Group Leaders, Teachers, and Clubs may call for special tour arrangements.) Historic Bowens Mills also offers private parties, family gatherings and small group tours, the opportunity to create your own “Choose your Adventure” package. Your package can include choices of wonderful memories like horse drawn rides or snacks by the fire, along with some of your own ideas to make your party or event "personalized" and of your own special choosing. Wedding packages, Company Picnics, Family Gatherings are also available. Meetings and private parties are offered on the grounds or in any one of the historical buildings. Historic Bowens Mills is an 1864 Grist Mill and Cider Mill. It is a working museum that still grinds and sells fresh corn meal through the use of water-powered mill stones. It is a second generation family-owned and operated state historic site with no state or county funding. The restorations and upkeep depend upon It's Cider Time Festival gate fees, special events and donations. The "It’s Cider Time Festival" gate fee for adults is $5.00, Children 12 and under $3.00. Thank you for your support in helping us preserve history for future generations.
The Old & Majestic Mill is located Midway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Near Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, Michigan where people come often. Because - from the first explosion of colorful wildflowers in the spring to the refreshing coolness of summer to the fall extravaganza in red and gold to the stark beauty of snow-covered trees in the winter - each season provides visitors with a completely different pallet of awesome natural beauty.
We hope you’ll take the time to enjoy all that there is to see and to do Bowens Mills. Some find the quiet of the historical park a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Others draw energy and inspiration from the outdoor experience. But all who come here are enriched in some way by the magnificent beauty of nature and history when they visit.
Park entrance located at 55 Briggs Rd. Middleville MI www.BowensMills.com

Saying goodbye is so sad...

2008-01-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Saying goodbye is sad. This week we said goodbye to one of our faithful friends here at Bowens Mills.

Suddenly he was gone... and sadly we learned so much about him after his passing. What a good dad and husband he was and how he fought for our country, how he loved life and farming. How how much that he enjoyed his small animals and his garden. We will always remember Herb as a great guy, that would always lend a hand. And he was always wearing a big smile.

We will miss him, always carrying in baskets of picture perfect, farm fresh vegtables to share with our family here. In the winter he was always talking about what kind of seeds he was going to order for his garden in the spring.

He was always looking forward, never looking back. Talking about the things he was going to do, or something he wanted to make, or even cook for that matter.

Herb we hope you know "the special place" you hold in our hearts that we appreciate the time, that we had to spend with you. Saying goodbye is so sad.

Thank you to our Bowens Mills Family for the comfort and support during this difficult time for Kathy and loved ones. Thanks to Bev for the beautiful arrangement that completed it all.

I love you all,

Carleen

Herbert Donald Moore, age 75, of Wayland, passed away Sunday, January 13 2008. He is survived by his wife of thirty five years, Kathleen Ann (Winterkorn) Moore, whom he married on September 23, 1972. Also surviving are his children, Elizabeth (Steve) McGrady, Rebecca (Eric) Lautenschleger, Sara (Adam) Gabriel, Rachael (Greg) VanKlompenberg, Patrick (Heather) Moore and Colleen Moore; fourteen grandchildren; sister, Evelyn (Ron) Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Myrtle Moore.

Mr. Moore served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1952. His hobbies were gardening, farming and volunteering. He was a lifetime farmer.

The Memorial Service was held at the Shelbyville United Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Lane officiating. His cremains will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made to Historic Bowens Mills or Family. Funeral arrangements were by Archer, Hample & Kubiak Wayland Chapel.

2008-01-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

30 years of Preserving History

2008-01-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

The Sabin's are very pleased to be celebrating 30 years of their family owning this historical park and 10 years of second generation
The Old Mill is located midway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, MI. Just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park on Briggs Road. Watch for the huge Grindstone Marker at 55 Briggs Road. Call 269-795-7530 or visit www.bowensmills.com