THE CLIFTON MILL--

The mill is one of the largest water-powered grist mill buildings still in existence.  A Revolutionary War soldier built the first mill at this site in 1802.  During the War of 1812 the mill processed grain to feed the troops.

That mill burned in 1821 and the present building was built on the old foundation.  During the 1800s 16 mills were located in the Clifton area.  This is the only one still in operation as a business.

Other mills of that time harnessed the Little Miami River's power to saw lumber.  Some produced woolen goods; others produced paper.  From 1908 to 1938 this mill provided electricity to local residents at the rate of $2 monthly for businesses and $1 monthly for private homes.

The river forms east of Clifton after several local streams combine their energy.  Their collective power is then amplified as it flows through the constricted gorge the river itself created over geologic time.

Clifton's industrial era ended when the then, new railroad was built through Yellow Springs instead of Clifton.  Cholera came to the village in 1849 killing half its residents and half the survivors were inspired to leave town for good yet, most of the town's original buildings remain.

Today's mill building operates mostly as a restaurant and gift shop.  Our hike along the gorge (which will be featured in Saturday's blog story) concluded in late afternoon so we hoped to celebrate that day's end with dinner there.

It was not the kind of dining experience that encourages return visits.
 


Our group found the dinner menu both quite limited in selections and pricey.  Several of us preferred just a salad and that was not an allowed choice.  One wanted just a grilled cheese sandwich.  That also was not available.

She noted an egg and cheese item on the breakfast menu which was available all day and asked for one of those without the egg.  The waitress was not enthused with her sense of humor.

Consequently, we were left with the breakfast offerings for our evening meal choices.  My French toast was delightful and another companion's pan cakes could have been cut in half and there would still have been plenty to take home for another meal or two.

Regardless, it is not likely we will be back there for an evening meal anytime soon.

But, beyond launching a delightful hike nearby in the Clifton Gorge, the mill also is a visual treat at Christmas time when the buildings and surrounding trees are illuminated by a bazillion lights.  Maybe more.

That alone could be worth a trip to this tiny town just a few miles south of Springfield.
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The power of the river's flowing water was harnessed when it spun a water wheel like the one in the small photo upper left.  That wheel is partially visible outside the window in the lower photo--far above the river's surface.  It is quite likely this wheel was installed just for demonstration or landscape purposes.