It's been operating since the mid-1830's when Edward Bonney installed a horizontal water wheel. The turbine, which could produce larger quantities of horsepower than the traditional vertical water wheel. This innovation enabled Bonneyville Mill to function as a progressive mill of the era. He selected the location partly due to its proximity to the Toledo/Chicago trail and the navigable St. Joseph River, providing access to Lake Michigan commerce. When the railroads by-passed the Bonneyville site and the proposed canal system was never developed, Bonney's dream of an urban hub ended. But the mill continued to serve many of the local farmers and merchants. It remains operation, grinding corn, wheat, rye and buckwheat the old-fashioned way.
Working mill #1
Working mill #2
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