Local History thru Eyes of an Artist's Paintings

" Wildwood Mill 1848"

All that remains at the spot of this old mill is a few stones, trees and a larger flow of water exiting Turner Lake on

Wildwood Rd.

  As recent as twenty years ago there still was the remains of a dam. Building of the mill in 1848 made it possible for the pioneer and early settlers of Hillsdale County able to use cut boards instead of cumbersome logs for building.  The area really developed after mills were established.  Mills were used for lumbering and milling grains into flour. 

“Eight- Horse Hitch.”

This could be a picture from the 1860's though it is a common one around here where we are surrounded by Amish Communities.   A team of eight equines. Four in front and four in back.  Three across in each set are horses with a mule on the ends to make the 8 horse team.  These 8 horse hitches are used for heavy work like dragging and discing.  This is done after the plowing is completed.  You will see two teams of Amish horses working in the field.  One team will number 8 like this team and they will be pulling a larger tool.  A second team, smaller, often 3 horses will be following pulling a planter.  The tools that they pull are typical of the 1940-50’s. All the area farmers are feverishly trying to get out their crops.  In one area you might see multiple teams working then a little ways down the road you will see the huge tractors rolling along