History re-enactor keeps mill open
By Jennifer Archibald Staff writer

Home away from home Larry Singer lives in Anderson but he has been spending a lot of time at Adams Mill. He keeps the mill open to visitors on weekends and holidays. His enjoyment of the mill area stemmed from taking part in living history encampments on the grounds. His Rendezvous name is Red Dog, and he's a blacksmith. He is pictured with a 100 HP water turbine used to grind corn. He said it is like the one inside the mill. A 40 HP turbine was used to grind wheat. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald

Adams Mill has a friend in Larry Singer of Anderson.

With the disbanding of the Friends of Adams Mill Valley, Singer is keeping the mill open to the public, almost singlehandedly.

He is committed to opening the mill on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

He said with the price of gas, he can't be driving back and forth all the time, so he has brought his Rendezvous cabin with him.

Singer is interested in history and is a member of the White River Free Trappers, a Rendezvous group. He has been coming to the mill grounds for living history encampments for the past six years.

"If you're interested in history at all, this is a good place to come," Singer said. "The only way to teach young people how it was, is to show them. Here you can see actual history."

He said Adams Mill operated from 1845 to 1952. People brought their corn to be ground into cornmeal and their wheat to be ground into flour. Other products produced at the mill were cake flour, pancake and waffle mix, and animal feed.

"Everything in here is pretty much operational," Singer said.

He added that it will take awhile to get everything lubricated, but he would at least like to get the turbines on the first floor running in the next month or two.

Visitors to the museum can watch a video that tells the history of the mill and how it operated.

"There have been only 10 owners of the mill since it was built," Singer said.

The first owner was John Adams, and the current owner is Mark Scharer.

Singer said the mill also houses a mini museum of Americana. Two of the larger items are an authentic Conestoga wagon and a prairie schooner. The museum also has a loom and various implements.

The third floor of the mill was used by the Wild Cat Masonic Lodge from 1864 to 1867. The Wild Cat Post Office operated on the second floor from 1850- 1894.

Visitors to the mill can also see the nearby Adams Mill covered bridge.

Singer said people can picnic and fish on the grounds. There is also swimming available at the public access site next to the mill.

There is no admission charge to tour the mill this season, but Singer said donations are being accepted for mill maintenance and upkeep.

"I want to see the mill open and make a living for itself," he said.

He is committed to keeping it open, but he said he would gladly accept some help.

Singer said coming up this weekend is the Adams Mill Craft Festival on Saturday and the Rendezvous on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The next Rendezvous at the mill will be June 29, 30, and July 1.

Singer said for more information about the mill and mill grounds, call 765-268-2640, or email adams.mill@yahoo.com. He said a website is in progress, and will include a photo gallery.

Singer said he likes spending time at the mill because it is a relaxed atmosphere - comfortable and stress-free.

"I feel at home here," he said.