ABOUT US
Brush Creek Mill was built near the same site as earlier Mills. The exterior of the building reflects the style of the 1800’s. The interior features are a step into the future with solar panels to produce electricity and an alternator which is powered by the water wheel.
In the future, we may look into the possibility of geo-thermal heat. Tours are given upon request for classes, service organizations, and the community. Some of the types of classes offered are painting, basketry, photography, and computers.
Below: Completed Mill from the wheel side – scroll down for views of Brush Creek Mill’s Construction.
MILL CONSTRUCTION
Brush Creek Mill’s 22 foot stainless water wheel was an integral part of the original concept of the building . The wheel was built by Moran Iron Works of Onaway, Michigan. The wheel is powered exclusively by water from Brush Creek and can produce enough energy to turn the grinding stones or other machinery.
In order to power the wheel, the water was diverted to flow first through the wheel’s trough(see left) before emptying into the river. The flow continually varies and effects the speed at which the wheel turns.
Brush Creek is located on the north side of Pleasant Valley Road. The creek naturally flows into the Thunder Bay River. The water flow can be regulated by damming the diversion source. This is normally done during the winter months, or from mid-November through mid-April, otherwise the wheel would collect ice and the off balance would damage the wheel, the shaft, and even the building.
