Open house held at 1869 grist mill at Cotton

Jim Martin explains the flour sacker at the 1869 Dick's Mill at the open house on Saturday, Oct. 15.
Jim Martin explains the flour sacker at the 1869 Dick's Mill at the open house on Saturday, Oct. 15.

An open house was held on Saturday and Sunday at Dick's Mill at the community of Cotton.

photo

Fort Smith firefighters put out hot spots after the fire that burned dozens of buildings at Fort Chaffee.

For many years after it was built in 1869, Dick's Mill was a major center for the community of Cotton in Cooper County, a few miles northwest of Clarksburg.

photo

Fire and police investigators examine the aftermath of the fire at Fort Chaffee.

Originally powered by a steam engine salvaged from a Missouri River ferry boat, the business contained a sawmill and a grist mill, which ground flour and cornmeal.

For more of this story check out the Oct. 19 issue of the California Democrat.