The Old Mill, Dundee’s most prominent landmark, was constructed on the south bank of the River Raisin in 1849, taking advantage of the dam that originally had been thrown across the river in 1827 and rebuilt in 1846. It was a gristmill – a place where wheat, corn, and oats could be ground into flour and meal.  The three-story frame building was of Greek Revival design – compact, geometric, well-proportioned and sturdy. Also, as it turned out, incredibly adaptable. The grist mill thrived for many years, helping build Dundee by attracting farmers and their families who would patronize businesses in the growing downtown area – just across the river from the mill - after delivering their grain. 

By the early 1900’s, however, the ancient business of water milling was dying – not only in Dundee but across America. On the other hand, the infant business of generating electricity with water power was booming. So, in 1910, the Dundee Grist Mill made its first major adaptation – it became the Dundee Hydraulic Power Company. 

Compared to gas light, the weak and uncertain electric light produced by the underpowered dam was satisfactory to residents – at first.
Gradually, however, demand grew for the more efficient and far more reliable service that could be provided by the coal fired generating plants of Detroit Edison, which took over electric service in the 1920’s. The Mill stood abandoned, neglected, and in danger of falling in on itself. The Village Council condemned the structure and ordered it razed. 

Once again, however, a relatively new and still young industry came to the rescue. This time it was the automobile industry, as personified by Henry Ford. 

Ford had been born and raised on a farm about 40 miles north of Dundee, in Dearborn. For a time as a young man he had operated a saw mill. He understood and appreciated the power of falling water and wanted to incorporate the mill into his industrial empire. 

His workers began restoring the decrepit, 69 year old structure in 1935. (Ford himself was 71 at the time, but far from decrepit.) Great care was taken to authentically restore the building to its original state, using timber cut from adjacent land and hand hewed on site.

Ford did deviate from authenticity in one significant respect – he added a single story structure to the east and north sides of the building, using limestone blasted from the river bed. His architects and engineers artfully blended the addition and now – 65 years later – most casual viewers assume the entire edifice was built at the same time. 

(In any event, Ford’s addition has taken on historical significance in it’s own right, and the mill is an important part of Ford Heritage Trails, a system of 20 “village industries” that Ford started on Southeast Michigan rivers between 1919 and 1944.) 

Ford's Old Mill “little factory” opened in 1936 and produced parts for welding machines used in Ford factories worldwide. Some older Dundee residents recall meeting Henry Ford during his many visits to the Old Mill. 

In 1955, after Henry Ford’s death, the property was sold to Wolverine Manufacturing and Fabricating Company, which used it for various manufacturing operations.

At the end of the 1960’s, the use of water power in manufacturing had run its course in America. No longer needed by Wolverine, the Old Mill was on the “endangered” list for the third time in its remarkable history. Adaptation or demolition were its only options. But, once again, a new “industry” was rising that would save it from extinction. The “industry” this time was preservation – the work of recognizing and preserving America’s heritage. 

By 1970, the infant historic preservation movement had engaged the active attention of enlightened communities across the nation, one of which was Dundee. 

Accordingly, the Village of Dundee purchased the 15,000 square foot facility and its surrounding 13.8 acres for $1 and set about preserving and protecting it for future generations. Major restoration was again undertaken, this time largely through the volunteer efforts of many loyal citizens. 

Their efforts were rewarded in 1990 when the Old Mill was designated a National Historic Place. 

The Old Mill complex now snuggles within a village park, and houses a museum, and a community center.

In 1995, a beautiful river walk from the Mill to the M50 bridge was constructed, and from the dam to the bridge on the north side of the river. 

The 137 years of the ever-adaptable Old Mill have encompassed the greatest period of change in human history. Virtually no material thing is the same now as it was in 1866, when battered men returning from the Civil War began to build again. 

But the essence of humankind has not changed. Included in this essence is a desire for stability and respect for its symbols; appreciation of beauty; and awe at the power of natural forces. All this and more does the Old Mill call to the minds of those who visit it.