Historic Bowens Mills

civil war days &

candlelight tour

 

Registration Form for Fall Event

October 18 & 19 Historic Bowens Mills Harvest Festival & Quilt Show Weekend:

Calendar of Events for 2003 

 

 
 

The Sights and Sounds of the War Between the States will come alive at Historic Bowens Mills this Saturday and Sunday, October 14th & 15th, as "The It’s Cider Time Festivals" continue. The Annual Civil War Days and Living History Encampment is featured this weekend along with tours of the old mill and cider making.  The fun begins at 12 noon and lasts until 5 pm.

This Civil War event is Co-sponsored by the “Historic Bowens Mills Re-enactors Guild.” Camp life throughout the grounds can be enjoyed. A battle will take place at 3 pm along with numerous military and countless civilian demonstrations both days. There will also be many unscheduled activities such as croquet, cooking demonstrations, woodworking demonstrations, and various other activities. 

A popular added feature to the Civil War Days this year is the Candlelight Tour.  The whole Historical Park will come alive when it turns in to a theatrical stage with dramas taking place in each of the various buildings.  It will be an unforgettable time as the re-enactors portray events as if it were happening right at the moment.   Also visitors will be awestruck when they step back in time and take a guided tour of the evening family camp life.   The special event begins at 7:00pm on Saturday.  $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 5-11.

 
 
Civil War Days Schedule of events
 
Saturday
 
12: 00  Cooking Over an Open Fire – A demonstration and lecture full of tips and techniques for cooking over an open fire will take place in the civilian camping area. The demonstration will be followed by information about modern reprints of pre- 1870’s cookbooks.
 
12:30   Military Drill
 
 1:00   Storytellings at the Schoolhouse - Especially for children but parents and adults are welcomed too.    
         
1:45    Mask Making Workshop inside of the Bowen House – Make your own mask for Halloween or for dress up.  $2.00 fee for supplies.  
             
3:00   Battle on the Village Green                        
 
5:00    Event closes to the public
 
There will be periodic dance instruction taking place throughout the day under the large tree by the Mill. Come and learn how to dance in an 1860’s style. 
 
Sunday
 
12:00    Storytellings - In front of the Mill.  Especially for children but             parents and adults are welcomed too.      
 
12:30  Children’s Activities – In front of the Mill
 
1:30   Dessert Auction outside of the Log Cabin – Stay around after the     auction for a taste of cooking 1860’s style.
 
2:00    Recipe Exchange and Tasting – Take home a few historic recipes to try at home and sample several tried and true dishes.
 
3:00    Battle on the Village Green
 
5:00   Event Closes

 

Historic Bowens Mills is a 19 acre 1864 Grist Mill and Cider Mill and pioneer farm village. The old mill is a working museum that still grinds and sells fresh corn meal through the use of the original water-powered grind stones. Bowens Mills is a second generation family-owned and operated State Historic Site. Open year around for tours, festivals, weddings and large gatherings by appointment.

The gigantic cider press, (which was not new at the time) was moved to the mill property in 1902. The old timers tell how it was in the old days, when horses and wagons loaded with their apples were lined all the way back into town, waiting their turn at the press.  Today folks come from miles around to see the past live again as bushel and bushels of apples are made into gallons and gallons of cider on the old press.

When "It’s Cider Time" at Historic Bowens Mills, folks can share with their children the excitement over nature, farm animals, historical activities, and harvest time experiences. The large Belgian horses will be on hand for families to relax and enjoy a free wagon ride which tours the serenity of Bowens Mills.   

During "The It's Cider Time Festivals", be sure to visit "The Miller's Wife Store" located in “The Bowens Mills Gathering Place” stocked with many items reminiscent of bygone days including antiques, books, jewelry and gift items   Our fresh ground corn meal and Amish prepared mouth watering apple butter and peach butter is a must this time of year. Step into “Carleen’s Closet” containing an array of Fine Resale Name Brand Apparel at affordable prices.

The 19 acre Historical Park now consists of :

• 1864 Grist & Cider Mill The antiquated four-story building’s main floor houses a working Water Powered Cider Mill and Grist Mill and a Museum plus a Gift and Antique Shop.  There is a Blacksmith Shop, a Water Powered Machine Shop in its lower Level.  The third floor has been transformed into a quaint and cozy living quarters. The top floor has a lot of old machinery, gears, and pulleys still in that area.
• 1840’s two story Plank House, the oldest house in Bowens Mills • 1850’s One Room School House, moved to the mill, the oldest one room school house in Barry County
• 1860’s 11 room Victorian House built by the Bowens
• A Post & Beam Barn, home of Belgian Draft Horses
• A Quaint Covered Bridge crosses the Old Mill Stream
• 17 foot Water Wheel completed in 1999
• “Ye Ole Craft Shoppe” an artisans woodworking and coopers shop
• “Bowens Mills Gathering Place” a huge Arts & Entertainment Center for displays, social events, meetings, conferences, & performances
• Log Cabin “Fork River Trappers Trading Post” Completed in 2002
• "The Saw Millers Cabin" down by the Old Mill Stream
• 2006 One-Room Restored "Line Camp Cabin" located near the "Trappers Trading Post"

ALL CIDER TIME FESTIVALS INCLUDE: Free Horse Drawn Wagon Ride with admission, Cider pressing demonstrations on the 100+ year old water-powered cider press, stone ground corn grinding demonstrations on the huge mill stones, Pioneer Farm with animals, along with many other history related activities.  

Twenty-eight years ago, the late Neal Cook and his wife Marion, with the help of family and friends restored the old press which had not bee used for many years. After weeks of cleaning and preparation with scouring and scrubbing. The press was ready to run.  All of the big leather belts were replaced and the final drops of oil added. The rumble and rattle of the huge overhead pulleys and the intriguing fragrance as the juices began to flow gave a feeling of awe and kinship with Mr. Bowen as "The Past Lives Again".

The Old Mill is a second generation, family-owned and operated state historic site with no state funding.  The Sabins seek community support to help with the future challenges of this historic landmark, thus preserving history for future generations to learn from and enjoy. The "It’s Cider Time Festival" gate fee for adults is $5.00, Children 5 to 11 years old is $2.00.  Festival hours are 12-5pm Saturday & Sunday.

The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township in Barry County just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park. Watch for the Huge Millstone Marker at 55 Briggs Road, Middleville, MI  49333.   Visit www.BowensMills.com or call 269-795-7530 for more information.

The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, MI
Just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park.
Watch for the huge Grindstone Marker on Briggs Road

 

Historic Bowens Mills
55 Briggs Rd. • Middleville MI 49333
• 269-795-7530 •