Hadley Mill

History of Hadley Mill by Brenda Krekeler

The Hadley Flour and Feed Mills or Hadley Mill as it is now known, is an old landmark located in Hadley, Michigan. The mill, built in 1874 by Peter Slimmer, is the third mill erected on the present site. The first two were built by Edward Fortune; the first around 1845 and the second in the early eighteen sixties. Hadley was almost named Fortuneville. John Mower owned the mill in 1885, and Lee Miller was the miller around 1900.

The power to run the mill came from a water turbine which was installed under the mill at the base of the water flow. This, in turn, through large wooden and metal gears, drove line shafts to the mill equipment located on the three floors above. Auxiliary power was first provided by a steam engine and later by a gasoline engine which were used when the mill pond’s water supply was less than adequate. The mill was converted to electrical power in 1928.

Through the years, the mill produced feed for animals, flour, and cider. An invoice indicates that there was also a saw mill on the site. The declining role of the farmer in the community and the advent of traveling mills made operation of the mill unprofitable. Roy Griffith and his wife, Lila, were the last to operated the gristmill in 1964.

The mill and acreage for the park was given to Hadley Township in 2002 by Ralph and Marie Hartwig. This complex is now known as the Hartwig Community Park. The Hadley Township Historical Society was formed to collect and preserve articles and items of historical significance from Hadley Township. The mill has been transformed into the Hadley Mill Museum as a reminder to visitors of their heritage.

Resource & Appreciation to: Kent Copeman and Rita Copeman

Resource: Hadley Township Historical Society

Historic Photographs Provided by Hanley Township Historical Society

Outstanding Video of Functioning Main Shaft, Belts, Pulleys & More!

October 2013, 4 minutes