Grist Mill Area  

1835

1835-1837 Plat Map Section 21 Lot 1 - 52.41A Section 21 Lot 2 - 41.92A Section 21 Lot 3 - __.__A [41.49]

James F. D. Lanier of Jefferson county, Indiana on 30 June 1837 was issued the certificate #7339 the East half of Section twenty; Fractional Section of Twenty One; Fractional Section of Twenty Seven and Fractional section of Twenty eight containing 793 32/100 acres.

1872 Plat Map J. Miller 18.32A A. Foot 21.60A J Robbin 27.90A James G Robbins J. Filer 10A J. Smith 61.40A

1876 Plat Map - no names on it for this section

1880 Plat Map W. J. Myers 17.85A M. G. Gould 23.92A; 56/57A E. Parker 27.42A J. Filer 10A C. Filer 39.40A G. A. Durr - Lot 2 A.C. Shepherd Etal J. Green [James Green ]

From the Logansport Daily Journal page 3 dated Aug. 27, 1882:

All the preliminaries for the extension of the Logansport branch of the Vandalia railway to Lake Michigan have been satisfactorily adjusted, and upon compliiance with a few easy conditions the contact will be closed, and the work will be commenced and pushed to completion.

Readers of the Journal are familiar with the route of this line to Marmont (Maxinkuckee), and will have no difficulty in following it to South Bend and the lake...
With these advantages before them, our citizens are asked to consider one of the conditions above named, which condition is that the right of way shall be furnished free to the new line thorugh our county. The estimated cost of this right of way is from $7,000 to $10,000 and it is proposed to raise the amount by subscription. A consideraable portion of this subscription has already been secured, and a committee appointed for that purpose will make an effort to raise the remainder during the present week...

1883 - Oct 6 - The.Vandaiia railroad company commenced laying iron at Marmount a d ay or two ago, and-withln a short time the tract will be completed from Maxinkuckee lake to the Nickle Plate railroad, a distance of about three miles,- Logansport Pharos Tribune

Grist Mill.
I t is a positive fact that there is no better locality in this section of the universe than at Culver City to establish a first-class grist mill, say of about 40 barrel capacity per day. We believe if proper steps were taken such an industry could be secured. The farmers for miles around would come here to mill instead of going to Plymouth, Argos, Leiter’s Ford or Kewanna This would naturally draw trade to Our city and it would be a desirable market for wheat and other grain. Let the matter be agitated. Organize an improvement association, whose business will be to look after the interests of the place and its development. - Nov. 27 1896

THAT GRIST MILL. Shall we Have it or Shall we Not ? is the Question. Our Citizens Should Act Promptly,--Delays are Dangerous. “ Strike While the Iron is Hot.”

The past week, B. F. Ditmire and G. W. Adamson, of Rochester, have been in town negotiating with our citizens relative to erecting a grist mill at this place.

The plans, specifications and proposals made by these gentlemen, sho uld certainly meet with the approval of every conscientious man who has the interest and a desire for the upbuilding of the town, and at the same time estabiish one of the most essential iudustries this community ever needed

That ther is no better place for a grist, mill in Northern lndiana, is conceded by every wide awake business man in this section and that it will be a bonanza for every farmer within six miles of Culver , is an indisputable fact. There is not a farmer within six miles of this place that is going to drive from nine to 12 miles to mill when he can reach as good in half the distance.

Financially speaking. what is needed to secure this enterprise? The loan of $1000, the same to be paid back virtually by installments, without interest after the mill has been operated a year.

Thus it can be easily seen that the gentlemen do not ask this amount as a bonas, but each and every man will have his monev returned to him

The gentlemen are experienced men at the business and will, if arrangements can be made, erect a mill of the fo!lowing dimensio and put into the same up to date machinery. The mill will be 35x40, four stories high with engine room upon the out side, and will have a capacity of 50 barrels of flour per day.

We understand over half of the amount required has been raised. Great Spottsylyania and the shades of Washington, do not fail to raise the balance. Every farmer should contribute from $10 to $100 according to his means — for it means a great deal to them both in time and labor, besides a first class market for the disposal of grain. It means a greater deal to the city of Culver , as farmers will do more or less trading. Hence, let every man put his shoulder to the wheel and push the improvement vehicle along. - 22 Oct 1897

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Grist Mill

It is a positive fact that there is no better locality in this section of the universe than at Culver City to establish a first-class grist mill, say of about 40 barrel capacity per day. We believe if proper steps were taken such an industry coaid be secured.

The farmers for miles around would come here to mill instead of going to Plymouth, Argos, Leiter’s Ford or Kewanna. This would naturally draw trade to Our city and it would fee a desirable market for wheat and other gram. Let the matter be agitated.

Organize an improvement association, whose business will be to look after the interests of the place and its development. - Culver herald FRIDAY, NOV 27, 1896.

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1897 - Oct 29 - pleased to state that there are great prospect of the grist mill materializing

1897, Nov. 19 - Mr. J. H. Zechiel will be the boss carpenter during the erection of the new grist mill

1897 - Nov 26 - Work upon the grist mill is being rapidly pushed.

1897 - Dec. 10 - The grist mill is being rapidly pushed toward completion and will be ready for its machinery in the near future.

1897. Dec 24 - The grist mill is about ready for its machinery, which will be of the best manufactured in the United States and the latest and most approved pattern. This will be one of the great improvements in Culver during the memorable year of 1897, which ieill go into history as one of the most interesting years upon the calender og time, because of its many joys, sorrows a vicissitudes. This will be a great boon to the farmers for miles around, as it will save them many miles of travel during the years to come. That the proproetors will make first class flour is beyond question, for years of experience and up-to-date machinery will settle the question to the satisfaction of all concerned.

1898 Areas in corporated into Culver N. Gould M. Gruobs 10A + B. Easterday 38.40 MR. Smith J. Green [James Green ] Rochester Club Long Point South Long Pont

1898 - Jan 14 - The grist mill will receive its machinery in a very short time

The Grist Mill.

All arrangements have been completed and the machinery for the grist mill will arrive in Culver on or about the 40th inst., and in less than thirty days from the time the machinery arrives the proprietors will be ready to grind flour. The machinery will consist of the very latest and most improved roller mill process, and the proprietors are postive of manufacturing just as good a grade of flour at the Culver mill as can be procured anywhere in the state. The main building is three stories and arranged upon the most modern plan.

The Herald extends to this industry its best wished an be speaks for it the hearty patronage of every farmer for miles and miles around.

1898 - feb 11 - The boiler for the grist mill arrived Monday. Push a good thing along and let’s have fiour.

1898 - Apr 4 - John Burns of Silver Lake moved with his family to Culver this week. He will have charge of the mechanical department of the new grist mill. In fact he will be the flour maker, and comes highly recommended as being oue of the best all round grist mill men in the state. The machinery has been somewhat delayed owing to an accident at the foundry where the improyed roller process machinery is made, but we ar assured that the mill will be in ___ very near future

1898 - Apr 15 - That Grist Mill.

The machinery for the new grist mill was shipped Tuesday, and will be placed in position at once. It is first-class in every particular and mill have a capacity of fifty barrels a day. Right from the very start the firm proposes to manufacture a high grade of flour and intends that no better shall be made in the state. This will be a good industry for Culver and a great convenience for farmers who formerly went 10 to 12 miles with their grist. The mill will be iu running order in a very short time

1898 - Sep - 2 The flour made by the Lake Milling company at this place is giving entire satisfaction; in fact, there is no better flour made in the country, hence the mill should receive the patronage of every farmer in this section of Marshall county. Givethe mill a trial and be couvinced

Chattel Mortgages Book 5 Marshall County, Indiana
Adamson, George W. & wife, et al	Zechiel, Henry & John; Speyer, Mrs. M.; Ditmire, John; Meredith,H. J.; Adamson, Hannah; Allfree, J. B. Mfg. Co.	21 Sept. 1898	1,994.00	Grist mill, buildings, machinery &c. in Culver ; also real estate

1898 - Nov 18 - Try the Lake milling Co.'s flour. It is an excellent article. Don't you use an other grade of flour. The Lake Milling Company's is the best. All merchants handle the Lake Milling co flour.

1898 - dec 9 - Wanted, at the Lake Milling Co's Mill, good buckwheat. Best market price paid...

W. S. DuPea is now sole, owner of the ’grist mill at this place, he having purchased Ditmire’s interest Thursday...

Wanted, at the grist mill, a good team, cash paid. W. S. DuPea...

Wanted, at the grist mill, a good team, cash paid. W. S. DuPea...

Dissolution Notice. Notice is herebv given, that the co-partnership, heretofore existing between Dltmire and Adamson, has this day been dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. W. S. DuPea having purchased Adamson's interest in the grist mill now in operation at this plaee- Said firm of Ditmire & DuPea assuming all obligations as per contract dated Dec. 1st 1898 Geo . W. Adamson

1898 - dec 23 - The Culver City grist mill is running steady at present. In other words, “money is what greases the wheels.”

1899 feb 24 - Starke County Farmers I the undersigned, wish it distinctly understood tliat anything that may have been said by me relative to farmers of said county was only uttered in a joking way, and with no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. The sum and substance of the matter is as follloaws remarked to a certain farmer living near Culver that I was grinding corn into flour, and he asked me who would take it. I in a joking way answered, "you and the Starkonians" on of the Starke county farmer heard the remark, hence the item in lart week's Herald. now in all candor i wish to say that I have only the deepest regard for the citizens of Stark county, and will assure them only the best of treatment at my hands. There is nothing to be angry about when they stop to consider the fact that I meant no harm, we make no adulterated flour of any kind, and flour mill is open for inspection at any time. W. S. DuPea

1899 feb 24 - The grist mill is doing a flourishing business. This is due to the fact that the lake Milling Company turns out as good flour as can be found on earth.

1899 - Mar 10 - Call at the Lake Milling Co’s mill and secure prices before selling your wheat...

Be sure to bring your wheat to the Lake Milling Co. The best of flour guaranteed and the highest market price paid for wheat....

The Lake Milling Co., is prepared to pay the highest market price for wheat. Learn their prices before going elsewhere

1899 - mar 31 - M.C. McCormick and Reuben Kaley, are now sole owners of the grist mill. We understand the mill will be placed im competent hands and continue to grind out flour

1899 June 2 - The grist mill has changed hands

1900 - Feb 16 - J. E. Myers and son of Rutland were in town Wednesday putting in large weigh scales at the grist mill.

1900 - May 25 - We understand that Mr. Joel Baumgartner, will in the near future sever his connection with the grist mill business at this place and seek more favorable pastures, as the wheat crop will be oractically a total failure in this section. Culver has as good a mill as these is in the country but with no wheat to grind the outlook for a rushing business in not very flattering

1900 - June 22 - Burns & Castelman, is the name of the new firm that has taken possession of the Culver City grist mill. Mr. Burns was formerly connected with the mill, and it will be remembered that through his skill, the flour made at this mill at once was in great demand. Mr. Castelman is a well known grain buyer, and no doubt the firm will meet with success

1900 Jul 6 - We wish it. distinctly understood that the Culver City grist mill haschanged hands and is now operated by Castleman & Burns. The farmers; of this section are aware that Burns thoroughly understands his business, aud that he makes just as good flour as can be made in the State. You can always find him at the mill. He will accommodate you with neatness and dispatch, with anything you wish in his line. The firm keeps constantly on hand all kinds of ground feed, etc. Bring in your wheat and other grain, you will receive satisfaction. If you wish anything in the evening, Mr. Burns can be found at bis residence, first house south of W . H. Wilson's

1900 Aug 3 - The first new wheat of the season arrived at the Culver City grist mill Tuesday. The berry was plump and good. Good old wheat is bringing 75 cents per bushel, corn 35¢ and oats 18¢

1900- Oct 5 - The Culver City grist mill is now under the sole management of J. H. Castleman, Mr. Burns having retired from the business, and left Wednesday for Chesterton,where he will take charge of a mill Mr. Baumgartner will do the grinding at this place

1901 - Aug 9 - The owners of the grist mill are contemplating building an addition to the same which will be used as a corn dump

1901 - sep 16 - A double dump for oats and corn will be immediately erected at the lake mills. they will also put it an additional building for storing grain with a capaity from eight to ten thousand bushels at a cost of $1,200 to $1,500

Nov. 22 A new corn sheller has been placed in the grist mill which will shell 400 bushels per hour.

1903 Jan 7 - The Culver City Grist Mill, has a bew miller, J. B. Burns is a first class workman and we understand will leave Culver in the bear future and will take charge of a large flouring mill.

1903 - Jan 14 - Owing to the fact that Dillon & Castleman could not get coal to make steam to run the machinery, the grist mill lias been shut down a few days... Dillon & Castleman guarantees the flour made at their mill.

1903 - Mar 10 - The Culver city grist mill is now running full blast. The company is making a fine grade of flour and it is impossible to keep pace with the orders. The company pays the highest market prices for grain of all kinds.

1903 - Apr. 9 - J. B. Burns, one of the best known millers in the state, the man who superintended the placing of the machinery in the Culver grist mill, and the man who through his ability as a flour maker gained for rep. wide and extensive, patronage, has moved with his family to Hobart Ind will take the management of the extensive milling business there. - We can cordial, recommend him aud his amiable wife-to the Hobart citizens as being people who will add additional credit to the town where good fellowship reigns supreme

1904 - Jan 28 - GRISTMILL TO BE OPERATED - The grist mill at this place is to bo opened for custom grinding, beginning Feb. 1st. Combs & Lough, of Leiter’s Ford, will be in charge. These gentlemen have the reputation of being first class millers and careful business men. We predict for, them a prosperous business, and for our farmers a much needed accommodation. Our business men should give them all the encouragement possible, as a mill that makes good flour will add materially to the business of the town.

1904, Feb 4 - Guy Combs, who takes charge of the gristmill, moved into the; Mrs. John Popham property last Saturday

The grist mill will be running within a few days. The farmers and business men should give the and business men should give the

1904 - Mar 3 - A now steel smoke stack has been put up at the grist, mill.

1906 Sanborn Map

Collier Bros. Maxinkuckee Lake Mills. Flour Mill. Capacity: 50BBLS per 24 hours ; Water - Casks and Pails; Distrubuted Heat: Stoves; Light: Lamps; Fuel: Coal and Cobs; Mach'y Basement 2 corn shellers 1st Floor: 2 stands of double rolls. One Run of Strongs - One Feed Mill - One Bran duster, one wheat steamer, one flour packer. 3rd Floor: 2 Double stands of rolls - one wheat cleaner, 4 FLour bolts 3rd Floor one purifier - 2 reels - on corn cleaner. 18 stands of elevators. No exposure any side

1908 Plat Map

1908 Plat Map - Grist Mill - R. Kaley Lot 1 Mary J. Hawkins

1909 - January 14 - Flouring Mill Has Been Sold

Isadore Hessel has negotiated a deal by which Reuben and S. A. Kaey disposed of the Culver girst mill to C. M. Wickham, ex-steward of the academy.

The condisderation was bout $5,700, and Mr. Wickham's fine residence goes in the deal

A millwright from Noblesville inspected the mill not long since and reported that at a very small expense it could be put into shape for a first class patent flour mill

It is expected that a St. Louis man will organiz a compnay to operate the mill.

1909 - February 25 - C. M. Wickham has sold the Culver flouring mill to Albert Overmyer. The consideration named in the deed is $6,000

1909 Sep 14 - Fbr Sale Choice timothy seed at the grist mill. Colliers Bros.

1912 APRIL 4 The Grist Mill to Open

George W. Topping of Lyons, lnd., has bought the flour and grist mill and will he here this week to put it into shape for immediate operation.

He will bring his family with him. Mr. Toppin is not only a practical miller, but had had experieince in building up a rundown property

He was been here looking over the situation and knows exactly what he is up against.

He expreesses confidence in his abiltitu to put the business on a paying basis.

The reopening of the mill will benefit the town to a considerable degree by affording the farmers in this section facilities for which they have been compelled to go elsewhere.

The mill was built about 15 years ago by Fred Ditmire and George Robinson of Rochester for whom a bous of $1,000 or more was raised amonf our people.

The property has changed hands a number of times.

It was heen owned or leased by W. S. Dupree, McCormick & Kaley, Dillon & Castleman, Coombs & Lowe, Collier Bros., C. A. Wickham, D. G. Walter, Albert Ovemyer,, a man in Peru, and at the time odf the transter to Topping by an Indianapolis man.

1912 Sep. 5 George Topping has repainted the grist mill and its tidy, appearance is an improvement to the neighborhood as well as a good advertisement for his business.

1912 - Nov. 14 - Art Castleman and Harry Medbourn have leased the grist mill and have started the grinding of corn and feed.

1912 - Dec 19 - Arthur Castleman and Sam Williamson have formed a co-partnership under the name of the Castleman-William Co. and are installed, in the Culver grist mill where they conduct a feed grinding business and will handle coal and seeds.

The city bastile,

1913 - Castleman & Williamson Company [Arthur Castleman & Samuel Williamson]

A lease was lease granted by the Vandalia Railroad on feb. 24th. 1913 and by J uly 20th 1914 Williamson must of sold out to Castleman as Williamson was struck out on the letterhead tho both Arthur Castleman and Samuel G. Williamson signed the letter.

1913 - Mar 15 - The Castleman-Williamson Co. are shipping out about 20,000 bushels of corn and oats from Rutland and Tyner.

1914 Sanborn Map p Culver Feed and Grain Co. Feed Mill & Elevator Elevator Capacity 7000 BU.; Power: Steam & gasol eng; Heat: Stove in office - Lights: Laterns; Machnery 1 Feed mill 2 cleaners 1 corn sheller

19_-1914 - Castleman Company [Arthur Castleman]

1914 Jan 1 - The Culver Feed and Grain Company is erecting a corn crib at the old mill. It is 25x9x29 feet and will have a capacity of 4,000 two-story addition to his resibushels.

1922

1922 Plat Map - Hawkin's Addition - Subdivided down & Mill

1924 Sanborn Map- Culver Feed & Grain Co.

1926 - Jun. 3o - Will the person who took a paint ladder from the Culver Feed and Grain Mill please return it immediately - E. T. Roboinson

The above photo is c. 1929 and Elijah Robinson is standing in front of the mill. 1937 Sanborn Map - The Culver Feed & Grain Co building no longer existed on the map 19_ - 1933 - Overmyer Mill - George W. Overmyer Culver Citizen, 16 Aug 1933. "Culver Citizen Nostalgia - The Overmyer mill at the corner of the Railroad Road and Mill St. has been torn down by its owner, George W. Overmyer. The mill was about 40 Years old, and at one time has the mecca for farmers in this vicinity Tho the mill was gone by 1937; I believe that that just the main barn section still existed in 1990 as In 1989 David Burns done stone work for Dean 'Skip' Smith which entailed laying stone walls for the ramp to the doors gone were the crib shed and drive through to the left and the porch/overhang on the front.

The Standard Oli company expanded their site and used the barn as storage for their oil products; an office was also on this plat of land also.

In the 1970's Good Oil Company of Winamac was the owner of the property

Views of the area today:

The area today--


and broke down into labeled parcels as listed below:


The above post pillars were built c. 1984-5 by David Burns for Dean 'Skip' Smith owned of the property then.