The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm has unveiled a new exhibit that features the 25 water-powered mills that once dotted the community. The exhibit is on display on Fridays and Saturdays from 1–4 p.m. through November 22. Admission is free for Museum members and $5 adults and $3 seniors and students.
Rochester Flouring Mill
The Rochester community has three major water sources with the Clinton River, Paint Creek and Stoney Creek and these waterpower sources supported mills that provided wood, grist, wool, sugar, sorghum, cider, flax, and more. These water powered mills created numerous industries that led to the growth of our community and the affected migration patterns, establishment of churches, growth of schools, location of the railroads, and more.
The exhibit traces the types of mills in the area, their location and history and is complemented with numerous artifacts. In addition, a new 16-page publication about mills in the Rochester area is available for $5. Any organization interested in a presentation about mills can contact the Museum for details.
Knitting Mill
The Rochester Hills Museum is a 16 acre complex listed on the National register of Historic Places and includes the 1840 Van Hoosen Farmhouse, 1850 Red Tenant house, 1927 Dairy Barn, 1848 Stoney Creek Schoolhouse and 16 acres of gardens and grounds located along Stoney Creek. The Museum is located at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, off Tienken Road between Rochester and Dequindre Roads.
For details visit www.rochesterhiolls.org/museum or call 248.656.4663.
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