Albion Interactive History / Industry
Stone Mill, 1845
Renovated 1916
Jesse Crowell began construction of another mill in the spring of 1845. It was rumored that one stone used for the foundations required nine yoke of oxen to transport it to the stone Mill site. Other stones were taken from nearby quarries. Located on S. Superior Street, the mill began production in the summer of 1845.
Running 24 hours a day, the mill became known nation-wide for its flour production. In 1871 the Stone Mill became bankrupt and was sold to W.B. Knickerbocker of Jackson.
By 1890, many renovations took place, as well as the addition of the Nelson brick elevator, as seen in this photo.
In 1916, the Stone Mill was sold to the Commercial Savings Bank. The bank converted the mill into its headquarters. The south stone wall from the mill was used in the renovation, and is still visible. The brick elevator was moved to the east side of the alley behind Superior Street, and remains in use today. Recently, it was announced that this historic structure would be demolished to make way for a new medical center.
Shortly after the Stone Mill was constructed, a man by the name of Lyman Munson erected a carding factory. Many local farmers took well to his factory to have it carded for spinning into yarn.
Champion and James Eslow purchased the operation, adding on a wagon factory, a sash, door and blind factory, and a flour mill.
The Eslow planing mill and lumberyard was located just to the north of the carding mill.
The Eslow smoke stacks were Albion landmarks for years.
Source: Amanda Campbell and Leslie K. Dick. “Old Mills of Albion, A Photographic History.” 2002.