Historic Roller Mill

While visiting Mansfield, stop by the state-owned, grist mill located on Big Raccoon Creek. Don't miss an opportunity to see the mill in action. Two water-powered turbines provide power to grind wheat into flour. The mill was built in the 1820's and is still in working condition today.

Since 1819, a mill has graced the banks of Big Raccoon Creek in the village that would become Mansfield, Indiana in Parke County. The first mill, erected by James Kelsey and Francis Dickson, was a simple 30 foot by 30 foot log building. According to legend, glacial stones from a nearby farm were used for grinding. From that simple beginning, Mansfield Mill came to represent an important part of Parke County history.

The village of Mansfield quickly grew up around the early mill. To accommodate the needs of the early settlers, a sash saw mill and a carding mill were added to the grist mill. A general store, blacksmith, cooperage, and other businesses were built near the mill, and eventually a Color church and a school were organized. Like

In 1875, Jacob Rohm bought the mill property from James Murphy. Rohm was from an old milling family in Pennsylvania, but had moved around the Midwest building and operating mills. At the time, the Mansfield Mill was a three story building with three run of stone operated by a turbine. The Rohm family lived in the mill until a house could be secured.

By 1880, Rohm decided the building did not suit his needs and a new mill was built north of the existing building. Measuring 24' x 36', it is the original section of the present mill. The conversion, from stone grinding to roller system in 1886, caused another section to be added to the building. By 1839, Rohm's sons, George W. and E. H. Calvin Rohm owned the business and added the third story to accommodate more equipment.

The Rohm family was quite successful in the milling business, eventually owning five mills, three grain elevators, saw mills and other enterprises in Parke County. George W. Rohm served on the War Production Board during W. W. I, and as president of the Indiana Miller Association. Milling was the largest industry in Parke County and the Rohms were considered the wealthiest family.

By the late 1920's. like many in the milling business, the Rohms began having financial difficulties. Rohm Brothers and Company eventually went into receivership and the Mansfield Mill was sold at Sheriff's auction for back taxes in 1929. It was purchased by the Reeves family and operated by them as a feed mill until 1968.

After passing through several owners during the 1970's and 1980's, the mill was donated to the State of Indiana by the Hutcheson and Dalton families in 1991, andis now a part of the Indiana State Museum System. It is considered the finest example of early roller milling in Indiana, with all three floors of machinery intact and a working turbine. Operation varies by season and more information is available by calling (765) 344-0741. To arrange group tours call at least one week in advance.