Wilson Feed Mill

Alexander Mill, now Wilson's Feed Mill, as viewed from the Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail. A two-story white house with an adjacent building viewed next to a canal full with water.
Wilson's Feed Mill viewed from the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

© Sylvia Banks

 
Black and white photo of Thomas G. Wilson working in mill, 1920s.
Thomas G. Wilson working in mill, 1920s.

NPS Collection

Flour milling was one of the earliest industries in Ohio's Western Reserve. With the opening of the Ohio & Erie Canal between Cleveland and Akron in 1827, farmers could easily ship grain to growing markets. By 1840, Cleveland represented the principle Great Lakes grain market, and Ohio became the nation's leading producer of wheat.

Alexander's Mill was built in 1855 by Andrew and Robert Alexander as a custom mill, grinding grist for area farmers. Thomas and Emma Wilson purchased the mill in 1900, and began milling and selling wheat, rye, flour, scratch feed, and shelled corn. With transportation improvements by the 1920s, the Wilsons could sell to larger commercial bakers and restaurants.

 
Black and white photo of a two-story white building surrounded by trees; in the foreground a waterfall spills from below the building.
Alexander Mill (Wilson's Mill), 1915.

NPS Collection

Also during the early 20th century, the manufacture of commercial animal feeds began to take hold as a popular industry. With the demand for flour diminishing, Wilson's Mill focused on the animal feed industry and the sale of farm products. Presently, Wilson's Mill continues to operate as a feed mill, and has an additional retail store that sells farming and gardening supplies. The mill continued to use water power until 1970 and the mill's water-power system is still in place today.

 
 
 
 

Last updated: January 4, 2022

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Mailing Address:

15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Phone:

440 717-3890

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