MILLS LOCATED ON CANALS

Ohio's Old Mills Today

By Brenda Krekeler

Mills Located on Canals

In the middle 1800's many mills were constructed on canals because they were assured of a reliable source of water. A few of the mills that were built on the canals existed before the canals were a reality. They were built at that location just because they were near a river. When the canals were built, the existing mills and the ones that were built solely because of the canal's existence were guaranteed a successful business. One of the biggest problems faced by millers during the early 1800's was finding a market for their product. Easy transportation was not available in the early 1800's. Once the canal was constructed, however, the millers were able to tap into a regional if not state wide market. All of the mills on the canals prospered as a result of their premium location, which is until the advent of the railroad. Once the railroad had its infrastructure successfully in place, the canals were virtually vacated. Once abandoned, there was no reason to maintain them and even the few boats that traveled the canals were stopped within a couple of years because the canals became ruined by flooding and there were no more government funds to support their maintenance.

Today we have 9 mills in Ohio that are still in existence and are located on a canal. Two of these canal mills are still functioning today producing ground flour and cornmeal.

Gaston's Mill in Columbiana County operates in season. The water from the Sandy & Beaver Canal still supplies the water that turns the wooden waterwheel that powers the buhrstones.

Isaac Ludwig Mill in Lucas County is operating and receives its water supply from the Miami & Erie Canal.

The seven other mills that are not in production but are otherwise beautiful mills and located on a canal are as follows.

Lock Two Mill in Auglaize County is on the Miami & Erie Canal (not very attractive).

Hambleton Mill in Columbiana County is on the Sandy & Beaver Canal. The Hambleton Mill is an exquisitely restored stone structure.

Wilson Feed Mill in Cuyahoga County is on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The Wilson Mill's exterior isn't anything spectacular but the interior is impressive and the canal setting is singular.

Tipp City Roller Mill in Miami County is on the Miami & Erie Canal. The building is well preserved, large but not all that impressive. The lock at the mill is impressive though.

Loramie Mill in Shelby County is on the Miami & Erie Canal. The mill has been closed for some time but it still has a distinctive atmosphere. The building, the millpond and the canal combine for an interesting setting.

The Magnolia Flour Mills in Stark County is on the Sandy & Beaver Canal. The building is big and beautiful. The railroad depot and the canal make this location a striking mill site.

The Old Smith Mill in Stark County is on the Ohio & Erie Canal and is spectacular in its stone construction and its accessibility to the canal.