Alexander’s Mill mill has been in operation for over a century. The mill was originally built as a flour mill by James Alexander in 1855. It was powered by waste water diverted around the canal lock.
Its original owner is now buried at Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery.
Alexander has a difficult time trusting his descendants with the family business.
According to several sources he still wanders the mill and is keeping watch over its workers. He makes sure the business is run according to his high standards.
The mill’s wooden water wheel was replaced by a water turbine in the late 1800’s and remained in use until the 1970’s. Now just the metal part of the wheel is there.
I would love to see a picture of the water wheel in operation, if you have one please send it to me!
The mill is now a grain and feed store, but the original the original building remains much as it has been, aside from the water wheel.
When I went there, it was after a 2.5 mile walk from Crazy Man’s Hollow and the store was closed and I was unable to see inside. I might try to go back when I get some pictures of the canal lock farther up the canal.
Oh, and don’t forgot to check out Alexander Lock #37 on the Ohio & Erie Canal section of the site.
Tracy
I remember going there with my parents to buy bulk sunflower seeds for our bird feeder and occasionally tulip bulbs. If you were careful, you could make your way to the window at the very back of the store that overlooked the old water wheel. It was no longer operational, but I could watch the water flowing over the weir.