The Independent-News, Volume 103, Number 13, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 1 September 1977 — Page 12

SEPTEMBER 1, 1977 — THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS

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After months of research and major restoration efforts, Adams Mill is now proud to offer tours which interpret grain processing during the bustling days of Wildcat Valley. Related displays reminiscent of the surrounding agrarian community, the Wildcat Post Office and the Wildcat Masonic Lodge 311 are also housed within this majestic sturcture built in 184 b. ADAMS MILL ON WILDCAT CREEK A long-forgotten creaking and clanking is resounding once more through the valley of Wildcat Creek. Nineteenth century commerce and a peaceful way of life have been reborn. Eor many the 1800's were progressive and prosperous, throughout the nation and in rural Indiana. The South amplified its cotton gin. while a new subway and sewing machines constituted New York’s orchestration. On Wildcat Creek, belts and cleaners and grinding wheels marked time by barrels of flour and meal. Indiana had the country grain mill. Adams Mill on Wildcat Creek is again in business. Now . however, barrels have been replaced by bags for the sale of wheat flour and corn meal to visitors. The four-story mill functions as it did when it opened its doors in IMb. but the restoration’s purpose is the presentation of living Indiana history rather than agrarian trade. Motorists find the mill near Cutler. Indiana. 21 miles from Lafayette via State Routes 2b east and 75 north. Once in Cutler. Adams Mill signs point the way to the mill and itj amenities which are open from noon until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The mill occupies the center of a geographic horseshoe cut by Wildcat (reek, the force which powers the operating parts of the struc-

ture. In its prime, the needed and prosperous mill became the heart of a booming rural community which supported two doctors, a general store and livestock breeders. The mill itself was the social center, a gathering place for the exchange of gossip and folklore. Continued growth was abruptly halted with the advent of the railroads. Tracks were built through Cutler only a few miles southwest, routing commerce and Indiana history in a new direction. Professional curators now lead tours through the restored monolith. Tools of the grain growing and processing trade are on display with nostalgic symbols of the business — sacks and barrels which boasted the mill's name to customers and competition in surrounding villages and towns. Each step of the milling process is viewed by visitors as tours move from floor to floor. The entire operation is self-sufficient, requiring only two persons to monitor the machinery. Power for the works is derived from two wheels-turbines-turning horizontally beneath the mill and below the waterline of Wildcat Creek. Mill tours, nonetheless, are by no means the limit of acitivites to be scheduled into an afternoon agenda in the valley. The Adams Mill Covered Bridge still stands nearby, overlooking a true old swimmin’ hole and the passage of canoes and inner tubes, both for rent in the mill office. Picnif grounds, wild flowers and fresh country air abound as far as the eye can see. The experience, in total, is a trip into the 19th century. The Adams Mill gift shop features original-design jewelry and souvenirs made by Indiana craftspeople. Os course, stone-ground flour and corn meal are available as is an Adams Mill cornmeal and whole wheat flour cookbook

Special events, too, are scheduled regularly. Every third weekend of the month, the mill hosts folk and traditional country and mountain musicians for an afternoon jam session Visitors are invited to enjoy the events by listening or by bringing their instruments and participating. ERONTIER HISTORY COMES ALIVE! Learning Indiana history must no longer be restricted to reading textbooks and reviewing relics in glass-covered cases. At Historic Fort Wayne, studying early nineteenth century structures and activities has been transformed into "sensing" the lifestyles of frontier Indiana. This living history presentation is inhabited by interpreters who spend their days as soldiers and civilians in 1816. Accurately costumed and equipped with details about frontier Fort Wayne residents, these guides demonstrate daily chores and military assignments while chatting with guests about the ways of the past. All visitors are encouraged to roam the "Old Fort" at their leisure and without restriction. The structure’s hand-hewn timbers are there to be touched, as are tools primitive to the contemporary eye and the natural ingredients used in crafts demonstrations. Frontier militarv life is reflected

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through the crackling ignition of muskets and cannon with the smell of gunpowder filling the air. Military drills with synchronized marching and resounding commands are everyday maneuvers reminiscent of a long-forgotten fight for survival. The Fort is reconstruction of the last frontier army post in Indiana. Three separate forts stood on the site, the first and most simplistic built in 1815. Research indicates that the last fort as depicted today was perhaps the most sophisticated all-wood fortress ever built in North America. Eleven buildings constitute the complex, including two blockhoudes and most of the structure is built of hew n logs. Hosued within the Fort barracks is a fine collection of original Indian and military artifacts. Additional displays trace the history of Fort Wayne and the old Northwest from the Ice Age to the abandonment of the post in 1819. The remaining ten buildings are funished in accordance with records from 1816, the year that Indiana became a state. Historic Fort Wayne is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through August. In September and October, hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the coming weeks Historic Fort Wayne's presentation of living history will be supplemented with two special events. A "Re-

volutionary War Encampment" is scheduled for the week end of September 24 and 25. Authentically dressed men and women will demonstrate military and camp life experienced by patriots who struggled for the independence enjoyed by U.S. citizens today. Over the week end of October 29 and 30. trappers and traders recalling the period from 1770 to 1820 will gather to swap their wares, frolic and demonstrate their skills in conjunction with the "Traders' Rendezvous." The "Old Fort" is located within the heart of Fort Wayne on U.S. 27. On site parking is available to all guests. The country with the most dentists in the world is the U.S. with about 118,000! Happy Ads Make Happy Faces! Obey the 55 m.p.h. Speed Limit! ■^^Sfngies^'^' Living Alone? To See if You Now Qualify For A Monthly Check From Housing Allowance Call 233-9305