Garnavillo Mill / Valley Mill
Clayton Co. | Iowa | USA
Watersource: Buck Creek.
Garnavillo Mill / Valley Mill
From US 52 at the south edge of Garnavillo, turn left on Clayton St. which becomes CR 23. After going about 0.7 miles from US 52, go straight on 250th St. when CR 23 bears sharply right. Follow this deadend road 1.5 miles to the end. The mill and a brick miller's cottage are on the left near the end of the gravel lane.
This 3.5 story, 45'X 55', limestone grist mill was a special treat when one had just spent about 45 minutes looking for it and almost dispaired of not finding said mill.
A handyman working on the brick adjacent house, which I can only surmise is the miller's house, was very helpful with information about and permission to look at the mill.
The northest corner of the mill contains the inlet arch of the millrace supplied from Buck Creek to power an undershot wheel, probably in basement. Depressions in the lawn area indicated the path of the old millrace.
An interior picture on the 1st floor with the front of the mill to the right. The stairs going up to the 2nd floor are at center rear. The mill is non-operating as of September 2004, although some efforts were evident of some restoration structually and general upkeep. Very good overall condition. A mill very reminiscent of eastern Pennsylvania mills in structure and size.
The west side of the mill where the main entrance was during operating years. Note the sign above door-Valley Mills. The mill is owned by Hardt Pioneer Farms. Address: Ivan C. Hardt, 2321 Meadowbrook,Cedar Rapids, Ia. 52403 Ph: 563-964-2729. Update: Thanks to Ivan Hardt for corrections to directions and area phone prefix change. 04/27/2009*