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The Mills and Dams of Wisconsin A Story of Invention, Determination, and Community by Beverly Vaillancourt, M.Ed for the Sauk County Historical Society Contributors: Bill Schuette and Paul Wolter

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Sauk County Historical Society 900 2nd Avenue PO Box 651 Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913 saukcountyhistory.org

Photos courtesy of the Sauk County Historical Society, Friends of Beckman Mill, Bill Schuette, and Seth Taft ISBN 979-8-9866497-0-2 Library of Congress Control Number: 2022913887 ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society Press Printed by Minutemen Press, Baraboo, WI, USA All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any means, electronic, recorded, or otherwise, without the express prior written consent of the Sauk County Historical Society.

Dedication This book on the Mills and Dams of Wisconsin is dedicated to the Friends of Beckman Mill who so tirelessly worked to save the Beckman Mill from ruins. It is because of their efforts that we are able to learn firsthand about the importance and mechanical genius of the people who built and worked the mills of the past. For this we thank them. The work of volunteers to preserve and share history allows everyone to experience the treasures of the past. Their time, talents, and hours of work are very much appreciated.

“The mission of the Sauk County

Historical Society is to preserve, protect, maintain and disseminate the history of Sauk County."

To the Student History is made of connections between people and events. People see the inventions of others and get ideas for new ones. People exchange ideas and something is bound to change. People interact in peaceful or nonpeaceful ways, and an unexpected turn of events can happen. History is full of surprises. The history of mills and dams is the story of connections as people moved, started new businesses, and had to adapt to new ways of life. For some that meant clearing trees to build a home and farm the land. For others it meant moving from the farm to growing cities for new opportunities. Change is all about connections. Even when you are reading you are making connections with the ideas of the author. Connections between people, ideas, and events are what change the course of history. Consider keeping a History Journal while reading about the mills and dams of Wisconsin. In your History Journal you can list questions you have, draw diagrams, and plan projects. Every historian keeps a journal, sometimes in their back pocket! They see connections and make notes because they know those connections mean change in some way, and that's history. We hope you enjoy the story of the mills and dams of Wisconsin. Your community, no matter where you live, was affected in some way by the work, technology, and changes that happened when mills and dams were being built across Wisconsin. Be sure to share what you learn with others and make some new history connections of your own! Should you have any questions, email education@saukcountyhistory.org. Be sure to visit the Sauk County Historical Society at saukcountyhistory.org.

Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started

A Story Waiting to be Told �� 2 Hauling Grain from Baraboo to Milwaukee �� 4

Chapter 2: Turning Points in History �� 5 The Northwest Territory �� 7 Land Division �� 8 Homesteading �� 8 Land Division �� 8 Townships �� 10 Land Patents �� 11 Scrip Warrants �� 12 Wheat Farming �� 13

Chapter 3: Growth of Farming �� 13 Horse and Oxen Power �� 14 New Challenges �� 15 Nature's Challenges �� 16 Threshing �� 17 Mills �� 18

Chapter 4: Building Dams and Mills �� 19 Water Power Video �� 20 Dams �� 21 Harnessing Water Power �� 22 Earthen Dams �� 23 Mills of Baraboo Video �� 24 Sugar Camp �� 26

Chapter 5 The Tale of Two Mills �� 27 Mills and History �� 28 The La Valle Mill �� 29 Disaster Strikes �� 31 Disaster Strikes Again �� 31 The Turbine Grows Silent �� 32 vii

Electricity Comes to La Valle �� 32 Disaster Strikes a Third Time �� 32 Island Woolen Mill �� 33 The Work of Looms �� 35 Disaster Strikes �� 37 Going Forward �� 37 What’s the Difference between a Gristmill and a Flour Mill? �� 38

Chapter 6: The Restoration of Beckman Mill �� 39 Grist Mills �� 41 A Remarkable Story �� 42 Restoration of the Dam - Before and After �� 43 The Workings of the Beckman Mill Video �� 44 Saving History �� 45 Discovering History �� 46 Buckwheat �� 47 Buckwheat Cakes �� 47 The Milling Process at Beckman Mill �� 48

Chapter 7: Hydroelectric Dams �� 49 How a Hydroelectric Works �� 50 The Dam by Denman Kramer �� 52 Hydroelectric Turbines �� 54

Chapter 8: Paper Mills �� 55 Chapter 9: Dam Removal �� 59 Dams on the Baraboo River �� 60 What? When? Where? �� 61 The Past versus The Future �� 63 Running Free: The Baraboo River Restoration Story Video �� 64

On Your Own Projects �� 65 Project Based Learning (Group Project) �� 69 Index �� 70

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Chapter 1 Getting Started Welcome to the history of mills and dams in Wisconsin. It is a fascinating story of how ideas, technology, and will power came together to build communities across Wisconsin. It is, in every way, the story of creative inventions. After the closing of Wisconsin's lead mines in the 1840s, some miners who did not go west to mine gold in California stayed in Wisconsin to till the land and grow wheat. Immigrants from Europe and those moving from eastern states also found a home in Wisconsin and became farmers or started businesses. The need to build homes and the growing of wheat sparked the need for mills to saw timber and grind wheat into flour. Mills required the building of dams to harness the power of flowing water. This, in turn, brought more people into the area and communities grew. Imagine what it was like to build a dam across a rushing river. Where would you start? What would you use? Imagine the sound of large gears and grinding wheels pushing against each other as they turned and churned inside one of the many flour mills found in Wisconsin during the 1800s. Imagine what it was like living without electricity or running water, where evening light was from a candle or an oil lamp. Life in the 1800s certainly was much different from today.

primary - first, most important,

essential to everything else

Word Power 1

A Story Waiting to be Told History is told in many ways. Since we live in the present, we rely on individuals who study history to help us understand what happened in the past. History is more than just dates and events. It is the story of real people who lived real lives who made a real difference. So, how are their stories told?

Curators are individuals who catalog historical items found in a collection. These are called artifacts. When curators receive a photo, for example, they carefully

document the details in the photo. Such details might include the possible date the photo was taken, its location, and specific items shown. The work of curators is essential in helping us understand history. They document facts through their descriptions and research. Curators work for museums and historical societies.

What can you learn about history from this photo?

Threshing Time on the Farm photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Historians build on the work of curators and add their own research to write about

history. Historians help us understand the people, events, and connections that define history by putting together the pieces of the history puzzle. Historians use primary source documents, such as maps and letters, to explain the events and their impact on people and communities. When we read what historians write about history, we are reading what is called a secondary source. Examples of secondary sources are textbooks, articles, and newspaper stories.

Storytellers use items from the past to weave a story that holds both fact and

fiction. They may base their story on real people from the past and include events that actually happened. However, the story is the creative work of the storyteller. This is called historical fiction. An example of historical fiction would be the Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Be a History Detective Throughout this course you take on the role of a history detective. You will use information gained from primary and secondary sources to discover the story about how mills and dams built Wisconsin's communities. Along the way, your curiosity may just lead to a new discovery about your community and the people in the past who shaped it. Watch for the Sauk County Historical Society History Detective throughout the course. So, let's get started!

History Discovery Tools •

Notebook to use as a History Journal

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Colored pencils

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Pen and pencil

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Ruler

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Lots of curiosity!

Optional •

A classmate or family member for sharing information and collaborating on projects

Hauling Grain from Baraboo to Milwaukee, written by H.H. Flynt on May 14, 1914 In November, 1851, father packed his household goods at Girard, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and with mother and four boys, a team of horses and a wagon, boarded a steamboat at Erie and went by the lakes to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from there overland about one hundred miles to Sauk County and located on a farm about four miles northwest of Baraboo, the county seat. Wisconsin was then a wilderness and away out on the frontier. Father had traded some Erie County property for some land in Sauk County, where he located thinking to better his condition, and where his 4 growing boys could have a chance to develop their latent talents. This county was then undeveloped, and no one knew its possibilities. Everybody was poor, and of course had to do the best they could. Some farmers thought the soil better adapted to wheat than anything else, and as fast as they got their land broke up, put it to wheat...But where was the market?...Milwaukee was the nearest place, one hundred miles...In hauling the wheat to Milwaukee, both horse teams and oxen were used; more oxen than horses. It took from two to three weeks to make a trip, depending upon the weather and the roads. Some seasons the weather would be fine and the roads good; other seasons the weather would be rainy and the roads bad. In the meantime, what is now known as the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul Railroad company had built a line of railroad from Milwaukee to Prairie du Chein, and was building a line from Milwaukee to LaCrosse, and had it built as far as Kilbourn City, sixteen miles north of Baraboo. There was also built at this time a flouring mill at Baraboo. We well remember the first load of wheat we were sent with to that mill [in Baraboo]. The price received was eighty cents a bushel. Gee! What a contrast; eighty cents a bushel, and only a four-mile haul from a hundred-mile haul [to Milwaukee] and fifty cents a bushel... source: https://saukcountyhistory.org/hauling-grain-from-baraboo-to-milwaukee

Chapter 2 Turning Points in History What is a turning point? Turning points are events that signal change. Examples of turning points include 1) the forced migration of Indigenous People during the 1800s to areas west of

the Mississippi River, 2) the farming of wheat, and 3) the introduction of electricity to a community. Turning points are like a set of gears with the gears representing different changes. Just as one gear moves the next gear, one change can cause other changes to occur. As you learn about the mills and dams of Wisconsin, watch for turning points. Write them down in your History Journal.

Background The story of dams and mills in Wisconsin is one of ingenuity, innovation, and grit. Throughout Wisconsin people harnessed the power of water to saw lumber into planks and to grind wheat into flour. Farmers cut forests, removed tree stumps, planted seed, and harvested their fields. At first they used hand-made tools. Later they used newly designed farm equipment that was a mechanical marvel at the time. Oxen and horse power, water power, and human ingenuity came together to grow new businesses and build new communities across the state. The gears of change certainly were in motion in Wisconsin during the 1800s.

turning point - an event that changes the course of history

Word Power 5

Driving Question Let's get started with a driving question! A driving question leads to discovery. A driving question starts historians on their journey to learn about the people and events that are part of history.

Driving Question: How did the building of mills and dams help to develop communities in Wisconsin during the 1800s?

Consider this: Rivers offered the possibility to capture water power. But, how could that be done? Dams and water wheels were the answer. Yet, how could a dam be built across a flowing river without using the modern machines and materials seen today? Who would pay for building the dam? How could the energy of flowing water be captured to turn the gears needed to saw lumber, grind wheat into flour, make broom handles, or produce fabric? With a never quit attitude, hard working individuals succeeded in building the mills and dams that grew Wisconsin's communities. Along the way, they risked financial ruin should their project fail. Yet, before any of that could happen, settlers needed to move to Wisconsin and lay claim to land. That's a story waiting to be told. It begins with the Northwest Territory. The state of Wisconsin was carved out of this large land region. Let's take a look at that story.

Building of Prairie du Sac dam photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The Northwest Territory In 1783, the British government turned over more than 260,000 square mlles of land to the United States. It increased the size of the United States by one-third. The land was inhabited by Indigenous People from many different Indian nations. The region became known as the Northwest Territory. The Land Ordinance of 1785 created a system for how the Northwest Territory should be surveyed and sold. The law set up the division of land into townships as squares that were six miles on all sides for lands purchased from the Indians It also set up a system to give away land to those who had fought in the American Revolution. Major generals, for example, would be given 1100 acres, while a captain would receive 300 acres. . The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set up how new states could be formed. It also noted that "the utmost good faith shall always be observed towards Indians; their land and property shall never be taken from them without their consent." However, this promise would prove very difficult to keep. The U.S. government viewed land claims by Indigenous People living throughout the Northwest Territory as a barrier to westward settlement. The goal of the United States was to relocate all Indian nations to areas west of the Mississippi River. This would allow for westward expansion into the region by settlers from eastern states. This effort caused great hardship for the Indigenous People. Many Indian lives were lost in battles with the U.S. military. During the 1800s the United States government and representatives of various Indian nations, such as the Sauk, Ho-Chunk, Chippewa, and Meskwaki, signed treaties, or agreements. Each treaty required the different Indian nations to cede land to the U.S. government in exchange for the promise of money, goods, farming supplies, tobacco, and other items of value. Chief Black Hawk (Múk-a-tah-mish-o-káh-kaik) Sauk Indians painting by George Catlin

Many Indian leaders felt their representatives did not understand what the treaties required, or were tricked into signing. The treaties resulted in the United States government moving Indigenous People off their native lands to land that was much different — from woodlands to prairie, for example. Many Indian leaders resisted the forced removal of their people to land west of the Mississippi River. In 1832 the Black Hawk War broke out. Indian resistance was led by Sauk Chief Black Hawk. For the most part, the Ho-Chunk were not involved in the battles. Yet, after the war ended, Ho-Chunk representatives signed a treaty ceding all of their land south of the Wisconsin River in exchange for land in present day Iowa. The treaty was unpopular. Not all Ho-Chunk moved out of the Wisconsin territory. Some were able to escape capture, while others, such as Yellow Thunder (Wakąjazi), chief of the Ho-Chunk nation, returned and purchased 49 acres of land from the United States. In effect, he bought land that the Ho-Chunk had ceded to the United States.

Chief Yellow Thunder photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Homesteading The Homestead Act of 1862 stated that any adult citizen who had never "borne arms against the United States," could claim up to 160 acres of surveyed land. The individual had to live on and "cultivate" the land for at least five years. A person could also purchase land for $1.25 per acre after living on the land for six months. Union soldiers could reduce the amount of time required to live on the land by their years served in the Civil War. About 270 million acres of land was settled under this act.

Land Division The division of Wisconsin into counties and six-mile square townships was done along a series of grid lines. Surveying began in 1832 and was completed in the 1860s. Wisconsin was divided into 72 counties. The number of townships in a county depended on the county's size and shape.

72 counties

township grid

Townships Townships needed to be divided

in a way that was uniform. To do this, each township was divided into 36 sections, numbered as shown. Each numbered section is one mile on a side for a total of 640 acres per section. Note that miles also are defined by the number of "chains." This is a surveying term that you may find in old land documents. The term is found in the Land Ordinance of 1775. In part it reads, "The lines shall be measured with a chain..."

source:https://tinyurl.com/2nm9yc6t

One section of land is divided into additional sections based on the division of 640 acres.

Each quarter section is broken into NW (northwest), NE (northeast), SW (southwest), and SE (southeast). You will see these terms on land documents. Look for these terms on the documents shown on pages 11 and 12.

Land Patents European immigrants, people moving from eastern states, and those who had come to Wisconsin to mine lead and iron needed land to farm. Through a series of treaties with various Indian nations, the United States government claimed ownership of the land that became Wisconsin. Let's take a look at how the land was given away or sold for farming. In 1820 Congress passed the Land Act. This legislation set the price of federal land sold to individuals at $1.25 per acre. People had to purchase at least 80 acres of land. In 1832 the sale of 40 acre tracts was allowed. Land offices were set up in growing communities to help with the sale of land from the federal government to hopeful farmers. The transfer of ownership of land from the federal government to an individual was called a land patent. Below is an image of an actual land patent.

History Detective Questions • • •

Who received this land patent? When? Which President's name is on this patent? Which federal land office is referenced in the document?

land patent courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Scrip Warrants The Scrip Warrant Acts of 1850 (9 Stat. 520) and 1855 (10 Stat. 701) granted up to 160 acres of land to veterans of the War of 1812 and to soldiers who had fought in the Indian Wars. The amount of land awarded was based on military rank and engagement. Scrip warrants could be sold for their land value of $1.25 per acre. Non-veterans could then purchase the land at federal land offices. An image of an actual scrip warrant is shown below.

History Detective Questions • • • • •

Who received this scrip warrant? In which war did the man serve? In what year was this scrip warrant issued? Where was it issued? Which President is represented on the document?

scrip warrant courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Chapter 3 Growth of Farming The Sauk, Meskwaki, and Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) had long mined lead found in the upper Mississippi River region. French fur traders began trading in lead with the region's Indigenous People as early as 1680. Lead was used to make bullets, weights, pewter cups and dishes, and other products. By 1845 lead became far more difficult to find. Discouraged, many miners migrated to California in search of gold as part of the 1849 Gold Rush. Yet, some stayed in Wisconsin and turned their efforts from mining to farming. Government awards of land to veterans, along with the sale of land, encouraged migration to Wisconsin from eastern states and from Europe. The hope was to find good land to farm. Some 5,000 farms were started each year in the 1840s by those settling in Wisconsin.

Wheat Farming Wisconsin's first cash crop was wheat. Wheat was fairly cheap to plant and sold well. By 1860 Wisconsin's wheat production was second highest in the nation. From 1840 to 1880 Wisconsin grew one-sixth of the country's wheat needed for the nation's growing population. Wheat flour is used for making bread, cookies, cakes, pies, and other baked goods.

Word Power

cash crop - a crop raised for sale rather than for personal use

threshing crew in the field - photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Horse and Oxen Power During the early 1860s Wisconsin farmers produced 100 million bushels of wheat. Most of the wheat was sold as a cash crop. Farming was difficult work that required long hours, manual labor, determination, and the ability to innovate and manage the difficulties of bad weather and failed crops. Horses and oxen were needed for clearing the land and for planting wheat seed. These strong animals pulled plows made from wood and cast-iron to break up the clay soil found across much of southern Wisconsin. Farmers needed to constantly scrape the sticky soil from the plow blade. This prevented farmers from planting and harvesting more than a few acres at a time. Farming changed for the better when inventor John Deere introduced the steel blade plow in the late 1830s. The new steel blade plow worked much better than the cast-iron plow because the soil slid off the highly polished steel surface. By the 1870s thousands of steel blade plows were sold every year. As the company grew, new farm implements were designed. Today the company John Deere started remains a leader in the design and sale of farm tractors and farm implements. Henry Herbert La Thangue, The Last Furrow, 1895 - public domain

Think Like a History Detective Study the photo below. Images like this are a primary source and give many clues about how people lived in past years. They capture what was happening in history at the moment the photo was taken. What questions come to mind as you study this photo? • •

Write three questions in your History Journal. Where might you find the answers to your questions?

threshing grain photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

New Challenges Wisconsin wheat farmers faced new challenges beginning in the 1850s. Planting the same crop year after year depleted the soil of nutrients needed for growing large quantities of wheat. Moreover, the price farmers got for their wheat was never the same. This made growing wheat risky. Another challenge was the westward growth of railroads. Railroads helped in getting wheat to eastern markets. Yet, they also opened up wheat farming west of the Mississippi River as railroads laid track into Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. These lands were far more suitable for growing wheat. By the mid 1860s less land was set aside for growing wheat in Wisconsin. 15

Nature's Challenges Nature at times poses great challenges for farmers. Will there be enough rain? Will storms destroy the crops? Will there be an early freeze? Will there be enough dry days in a row to harvest a crop? Challenges caused by weather are just part of farming. Plant diseases and harmful insects also present challenges to farmers. Wisconsin's wheat farmers in the mid 1860s faced two new challenges: wheat rust disease and the chinch bug. Both were responsible for destroying wheat crops that had been planted through hard work and often on borrowed money. The uncertainty of growing wheat in the 1860s moved many farmers to diversify and instead plant other crops. These included corn, cranberries, oats, and hay. They also planted potatoes, and vegetables such as lima beans, green peas, and beets. Some farmers began growing strawberries and planting apple and cherry trees.

History Detective Question What new challenges did Wisconsin wheat farmers face when planting new crops such as oats or corn?

Wheat Rust

Chinch Bug

Threshing After planting and harvesting their crops, the grain still needed to be separated from the plant. For this, farmers turned to the threshing machine. By the late 1800s Wisconsin was a top producer of rye, barley, and oats. The threshing machine separated the grain from the straw. They were mechanical wonders to grain farmers. Threshing crews would travel from farm to farm with their machine. They worked long hours for several days until all the wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat, or rye had been properly threshed.

threshing machine gears threshing day on the farm photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Threshing time was a good time for farmers. Hard-working crews feasted on homemade bread, stew, sweet corn, and pies of all sorts. Farmers came together to share the work that would have been impossible for one farmer to do. It was noisy, sweaty, and dusty work. Yet, it was a time filled with laughter and shouts to youngsters to stay away from the gears and belts of the harvester. When the threshing was done, grain could be sold and bills could be paid. There would be plenty of hay and bedding for the oxen and horses through the winter months. The hard work of summer had come to an end.

threshing machine, tractor, and crew photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

By the late 1800s steam power arrived on Wisconsin farms. Steam-powered tractors and threshing machines saved farmers time and labor. The new machines also needed repairs and mechanical know-how. Wisconsin farmers needed new tools, new skills, and faced new challenges as life moved into the 1900s. Farmers became mechanical problem solvers. They quickly learned how to change up parts and repair machines. Often parts were removed from machines no longer in use to make needed repairs. That mechanical know-how was needed as men marched off to serve in World War I. They brought their mechanical genius with them to the battlefield. Here the skills they learned fixing machine and building new and helpful "gadgets" while growing up on a farm were put to the test when machines and vehicles broke down and needed to be fixed quickly.

Mills The growth of wheat farming gave rise to the need for milling. Wheat was just grain until it could be turned into flour for baking bread. Corn was just corn until it could be ground for animal feed or cornmeal for making biscuits. The building of mills dramatically impacted the growth of close-knit Wisconsin communities. Mills produced needed products such as flour, broom handles, and lumber. That story comes next. 18

Chapter 4 Building Dams and Mills

corn feed mill

photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

A mill is a factory with an interlocking series of wheels and gears. The gears are used to grind grain into flour, cut logs into lumber, weave cloth into fabric, or produce other products. Mills were built in communities across Wisconsin. They provided the products needed for a community to grow and prosper. It takes power to move the wheels and gears of a mill. Electricity had not yet been invented when the first mills were built, so what could be used to power them? The solution was to build mills where water flowed freely. A mill used a water wheel or a turbine to get the gears in the mill moving. As water flowed onto the paddles of the water wheel, water power turned them. Water power turned a turbine by pushing through curved surfaces and spinning them. The large water wheel or water turbine was connected to a series of gears that ran the mechanical workings of the mill.

water power - power produced by a stream of water to move machinery

Word Power 19

Water Power Video

There is much to discover in the video highlighted on this page. The video answers this question: •

How is the power of flowing water captured?

Hint: pay close attention to the map found in the video showing the drop in elevation where communities built dams across the Baraboo River in Baraboo, Wisconsin. William Canfield drew the map in 1872. The map is filled with historical clues of all kinds. Find the video on the Sauk County Historical Society website: https://saukcountyhistory.org/ mill-and-dams#waterpower

Dams Dams were built across rivers to capture water power. The water moving toward the dam would develop a strong flow. The stronger the flow, the more water power. These earthen dams were made with rock, logs, and heavy clay soil packed in layers. Heavy rains and flooding could wash out poorly constructed earthen dams. The building of mills and dams was a huge undertaking in cost and manpower. The dam was essential to the workings of the mill. The mill was essential to the community's farmers and businesses. When a dam washed out, it was common for the entire community to work together to rebuild it as soon as possible.

photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

History Detective Question How did the building of mills in communities help farmers be self-sufficient? Answer this question in your History Journal.

Dam at Witwen, Wisconsin

Dam near Sauk City, Wisconsin

photos courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Harnessing Water Power The harnessing of water power is a fascinating story of creative problem solving, with a focus on business development. Both sparked the rapid growth of communities during the 1800s. The brilliance of individuals is seen in how they took advantage of drops in elevation to build dams. It is also seen in their construction of millraces to expand the reach of the river and capture its water power. As you look at a map of Wisconsin, note how many communities got their start along Wisconsin's many rivers. Rivers allowed for trade and business opportunities, and were a source for both food and power. 22

Earthen Dams Earthen dams are made from rock and compacted soil. Two factors were considered by community leaders when deciding if the cost was worth the benefits of building an earthen dam on a site. These factors were: the volume of the water that would move over the dam. the change in elevation, or fall, from one point to another.

• •

These two factors determined the amount of water power. The greater the volume and the greater the fall, the more water power.

Think Like a History Detective Study the historical photo below and the two photos on page 22. • • •

What is the same about the dams? What is different? Which dam do you think provided the most water power? Why?

Note your observations in your History Journal.

Mirror Lake Dam, Lake Delton, Wisconsin photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Mills of Baraboo Video

The building of mills is a fascinating story of ingenuity and invention. Here are some questions to consider while watching the video: • • •

Why did growing communities build along rivers? Why were mills some of the first buildings built? How did the mills help the community grow and attract people of many trades to the area?

Hint: pay close attention to the types of mills built in Baraboo. Find the video at https://saukcountyhistory.org/ mill-and-dams#mills

Home Industries Today when families need bread to make sandwiches or pancake flour to make a delicious breakfast, most purchase their bread and pancake flour from the local grocery store. When new socks are needed or a suit or dress desired for a special event, most people shop online or at their favorite clothing store. However, life was very different in the 1800s.

making maple syrup

general store

home canning

photos courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

During the 1800s self-sufficient and industrious farmers made their own bread, knitted socks and scarves, and bought fabric to sew clothes using a foot-pedal sewing machine. Vegetables were grown in gardens and canned for the winter. Meat also was canned. Maple syrup poured over delicious buckwheat pancakes was made from sap collected from maple trees, usually in March of every year. The rugs by the bed were made from scraps of cloth, as were the quilts covering the beds. Pillows were stuffed with feathers while mattresses were stuffed with straw. Nothing went to waste. There was great pride in the ability to make something from little, to reuse what was still good, and to creatively design and invent. While household items, tools, and clothing could be purchased at the local general store, doing so was a decision made with great care. Only things that could not be made on the farm were purchased from a store.

Sugar Camp

by Bill Schuette Maple sap is one of the first crops harvested after a long Wisconsin winter, and is typically extracted between mid-March and mid-April. Ideal conditions to flow sap are cool evenings with temperatures in the 20s, and with warm days over 40 degrees. There are five species of maple trees which produce sap. However, it’s the sugar maple (the Wisconsin state tree) that produces the most flavorful syrup. Groves of sugar maple trees were known as sugar bushes. A tree should be at least 12 inches in diameter and about 40 years old for best production. Up to 3 taps can be placed on each tree, 2-4 feet above the ground. Each tap can produce 10 gallons of sap per season, with some premium trees putting out 50-plus gallons. The sap is dripped into covered buckets which are collected when full. It takes 40 gallons of raw sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup. The season ends when the trees begin to produce buds. Maple sap is collected and taken to “sugar houses” where it is boiled down to remove the water and produce the pure syrup. Often times, at least in the past, these sugar houses were located in a valley, making it easier for horse-drawn sleds to transport the sap for rendering. The boiling process increases the sugar content up to 66%, which also causes a chemical process to darken the fluid and give it a maple flavor. A 1911 speech to the Sauk County Historical Society recounted the recollections of John Rooney and how he and his sisters tapped into “Nature’s Storehouse...In the spring of 1858 myself and two sisters, Margaret and Annie, tapped a few maple trees on the north branch of Honey Creek...We caught the sap in tin pans and boiled it on the stove in our home. We got a fine quality of maple syrup that sold for $1.50 ($36 today) per gallon in Prairie du Sac.”

Chapter 5 The Tale of Two Mills

Island Woolen Mill Dam photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

For the people of Wisconsin's communities, much depended on the success of the mill. The mill provided products for the farm and home. It also provided employment, or jobs, for the people. Look at the photo below of the Island Woolen Mill when it was first built. How many people do you think worked here?

Island Woolen Mill (circa 1890) photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

rural - a less populated region outside an urban area where farms are located

Word Power

Mills and History Now that you have a good understanding of mills and the products that were made in them, let's take a look at two very different types of mills. One is a "feed" mill and the other a woolen mill. Both of these mills served two different types of communities in Sauk County: one rural, one city. Together, they tell an important story about Wisconsin's past. Similar mill stories can be found across Wisconsin as mills and dams were built to power new businesses. Mills were in every way community centers where stories were told, problems were shared, and customers were treated like family. Here's a challenge: discover if a mill was once part of your community.

The La Valle Mill 1980 photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The La Valle Mill Tucked into the northwest corner of Sauk County is the Village of La Valle. Originally the village was located inside the Town of Marston, but renamed La Valle in 1862 in honor of government surveyor Martin La Valle. The Village of La Valle is a close-knit community located next to the Baraboo River. It became a depot stop for the Chicago and North Western Railroad from the 1870s through 1935. In the early 1900s the Village of La Valle had a variety of businesses including two restaurants, a bakery, two doctors, a dentist, three barbers, a funeral parlor, a general store, a hatchery, furniture store, hotels, and two livery stables. It was a thriving village. The telephone came to the village in the early 1890s and in 1910 area businessmen formed a telephone cooperative. Today the village population is less than 400, about the same as it was in the early 1900s. Some of the village buildings shown in the photo below were replaced when a new bank was built. Other buildings took on new uses. The funeral parlor, for example, became a restaurant, real estate office, and barber shop. Importantly, the mill remained an important part of the economy of the village.

Village of La Valle - early 1900s photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Think Like a History Detective Study this photo of the first mill built in La Valle. Look for details in the photo. • • • • •

Can you find the river? Can you find the mill workers? What is similar about this mill when compared with other mills built at this time? Where do you think the future main street in La Valle will be? Why are there carts and horses at the mill?

First mill in La Valle circa 1860 Photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The mill and dam in La Valle were built by J.F. Hamlin and Solon Rushmore in 1848. They chose the site because of the river's drop in elevation there, and decided it would be a prime location for a water-powered sawmill. The main gear was built with iron and wooden teeth in Baraboo, and installed in 1850, With that, the milling operation began. The mill meant jobs for local men and a reason to consider the La Valle area when purchasing a land patent.

Disaster Strikes The mill was sold to J.F. Sanford in 1864. Soon broom handles were made at the mill along with the sawing of timber. In 1869 a three-story addition to the building was built for the milling of flour. Change came again in 1874 when the mill was converted for making barrel staves. These are the wooden boards used to construct barrels. Disaster struck in 1878 when the building was destroyed by fire. Workers rebuilt the building in 1879. With that, some 1,500,000 barrel staves were produced that year, shipped to markets in Chicago, and made into barrels for the sale of pork and flour.

Disaster Strikes Again In 1898 flooding washed out the dam built to serve the mill. Yet, the dam was rebuilt with rock filled timber and logs. Barrel staves once again were produced in the mill. All seemed well as the village moved into the 1900s, especially with the installation of a turbine turned by the rush of water in 1905.

La Valle Mill 1908 photos courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Electricity Comes to La Valle The La Valle mill was sold again in 1911 to J. A. Duddleson. In 1912 Duddleson had a Direct Electric Current Light System installed, with a small building built near the dam to house the La Valle Electric Light Company. With that, electricity and lights came to the Village of La Valle. What a turning point that must have been for the residents of La Valle! Just think of how electricity changed when and how people worked. The mill continued to grind flour for the community. Yet, more change was to come. Beginning in the late 1920s movies were shown on the large front wall of the mill. This was an amazing time for the community. Imagine what it must have been like to gather with picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs to watch a movie otherwise found only in movie theaters in far-away cities. Hollywood had come to La Valle!

Disaster Strikes a Third Time Fire destroyed the La Valle Mill on May 2, 1937. Yet, the mill was important to the community. The owners and community came together to rebuild it. The wheels of the mill were cleaned, machinery was replaced, the mill gates were rebuilt, and the dam was repaired. Then the mill workers got busy grinding oats and corn for area farm animals. Customers walking into the mill were immediately met by the sight of bags of ground corn, grain covered wood floorboards, and dust-filled air. It was a place where stories were shared and laughter came easy.

The Turbine Grows Silent

La Valle Mill fire 1937 photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The La Valle Milling Company ceased operations in 1999 when the mill was sold to the Sand County Foundation. The sale was part of an effort to remove all dams from the Baraboo River and return it to a free flowing river. The need for a local mill simply was not as necessary as in the past. With the building of two nearby lakes, the focus of the community had changed from farming to tourism. The old mill building became an antique store that showcased its original interior. The items sold there told the story of the area's long and important history. The mill was torn down in 2022 following a 2018 flood that caused major damage to the mill and other buildings in the village. It was the last disaster for a mill that had served the community for over 170 years. 32

Island Woolen Mill The circle on the map below shows the location of the Island Woolen Mill. Inside the circle is a diagonal line that locates the millrace that was built from one side of the oxbow to the other to bring fast flowing water power to the mill. When it got its start in 1863, the Island Woolen Mill was named for the “island” created by the millrace.

William Canfield's 1872 Map of Baraboo map courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The Island Woolen Mill turned wool from sheep into fabric by first turning it into yarn that could be woven into cloth. By the late 1860s the company had about 36 employees and produced up to 10,000 yards of cloth per month or about 100,000 yards per year. This was enough cloth to stretch from Baraboo to Madison. In all, the mill produced wool fabric for over 85 years.

Think Like a History Detective Study this photo of the Island Woolen Mill in Baraboo. Look for details in the photo. Compare and contrast this mill with the La Valle Mill. What is the same about both mills? What is different? The Island Woolen Mill became one of the top employers in Baraboo at the height of its output. What impact do you think this had on the community?

Island Woolen Mill photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

La Valle Mill photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Giant machines called looms were used to weave the wool yarn together. The looms were run by water power from the Baraboo River.

This picture shows a loom used at the Reedsburg Woolen Mill.

The Island Woolen Mill made fabric used in making clothes. This picture shows fabric samples for men's suits made elsewhere sewn together as a quilt. The mill also made blankets for the United States military and fabric for automobile interiors. photos courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The Island Woolen Mill grew to become the largest employer in Sauk County for many years. It employed hundreds of people. The mill closed in 1949 and the buildings sat idle. What details in these photos help tell the mill's story?

Island Woolen Mill photos courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Disaster Strikes In 1969 a fire destroyed the Island Woolen Mill. Almost all of the buildings were torn down. Just one building remained standing. The office building for the Island Woolen Mill was not damaged by the fire and was saved. Today it is called the Sauk County History Center. It is owned by the Sauk County Historical Society and is open to the public as a research center.

Island Woolen fire 1969 photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The building that today serves as the Sauk County History Center reminds us that there was once a large and very important woolen mill at this location run by water power from the Baraboo River. History Center, Baraboo, Wisconsin photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Going Forward The mills and dams of Wisconsin tell the story of the growth of farm and city communities across Wisconsin. It is the story of amazing ingenuity and advances in technology. Over the years Wisconsin's communities changed with the times. Some communities transitioned from a farm economy to reliance on tourism. Others transitioned to reliance on manufacturing. Still others remained agricultural communities with ever-improving farming techniques and equipment. While many mills fell to disrepair, others were restored as homes, offices, gift shops, and in rare cases, as historically significant working mills. These give visitors a firsthand view of the mechanical genius found in the mills of bygone days. 37

What’s the Difference between a Gristmill and a Flour Mill? A story written by Harry E. Cole in 1918 from A Standard History of Sauk County, Wisconsin p. 72, by William Toole – Sauk County Pioneer Both terms refer to mills that grind grain. The term “grist” actually means grain that is ground to make flour. A gristmill however could grind flour, meal or feed for animals from a variety of grains including corn. Historically a grist mill was a local mill where farmers brought their own grain to be ground and paid the miller with a percentage of the final product. This was called the “miller’s toll.” A flour mill was more typically a mill that made flour for wholesale or retail. At one time virtually every community in Sauk County had a gristmill while still more were in rural locations. Some were water powered and others were steam powered. Flour was needed, and our neighbors were ready with a supply. It was cheaper than it had been in the east, and the first we got was so much poorer that it never could have become a commercial article. We afterward learned that it had been made from musty wheat. The wheat would not bring a fair price in the market, perhaps could not have been sold at all, so the farmer had it made into flour and disposed of it that way. Later, when we had raised grain of our own, we learned lots about grist mills, and the faults and virtues of millers. The average farmer in those days gave the millers about as many compliments as are now bestowed on commission men. Millers took their pay in tolls, or shares from the grain they ground, and were accused of taking excessive tolls. "Each mill...was supposed to make better flour than other mills, and we sometimes went a long way, hoping for better results. One fault of the system was that a grist of good wheat might pass into the stones, following someone's smutty, or perhaps sprouted, wheat or rye, and thus become contaminated with what had gone before. All grinding in those days was done with the old-fashioned stones. The roller process had not been adopted, and they had scarcely commenced the use of the metal mills for feed grinding. Our nearest grist mill was at Reedsburg, four and a half miles away. The next most convenient one was at Delton, about eight miles. 38

Chapter 6 The Restoration of Beckman Mill

Beckman Mill, Beloit, Wisconsin photo courtesy Beckman Mill

In 1844 Charles F. H. Goodhue Jr. purchased several acres of land in Rock County and built a distillery. Goodhue invested $10,000 in his distillery operation. This investment would be equal to over $300,000 in today's money.

In 1853 the distillery caught fire and was completely destroyed. In time, Goodhue sold the property to William Howe. Then, in 1868 William Howe built a grist mill on the property. The mill would change ownership three more times until, in 1882, the Beckman family purchased the land and mill. In 1924 a new concrete dam replaced the one made of wood. The Beckman Family would continue milling grain until 1954, when all milling operations ended. In 1978 the Beckman Family sold the property to Rock County for the public to enjoy. In 1984 people began thinking about the restoration of Beckman Mill.

restoration - to rebuild to its original look and use

Word Power 39

Think Like a History Detective Below is a map of Newark Township. William Howe owned the mill when this map was made. Can you find the Howe (How) property and mill? Here are two hints: 1) Look in Sections 27, 34, and 35. 2) Look for a river.

Grist Mills A grist mill is where grain is ground into such products as flour and cornmeal. Some grist mills included space for a post office and also housed a sawmill.

Today many grist mills of the past are in ruins. Their water wheels have long since stopped turning. The buildings may have been torn down or perhaps caught fire and were never rebuilt. The Beckman Mill could have suffered the same fate as many grist mills in Wisconsin. Yet, it did not. Instead it was saved through the efforts of people who saw its value, made a plan, and never stopped until the huge task was finished. It is in every way a remarkable story. Let's tell it.

Beckman Mill - before and after restoration photos courtesy Friends of Beckman Mill and Bill Schuette

A Remarkable Story The Friends of Beckman Mill came together in 1990 as volunteers with the hope of saving the Beckman Mill from ruin. They showed the same grit, determination, and hard work as the people who farmed the land, built the mills, and managed the challenges of life in the 1800s and early 1900s. The group displayed a "We can do this!" attitude with a willingness to take on every challenge. The "Friends" shared ideas, volunteered long and countless hours, worked with government officials, found people willing to donate funds to the project, added their own tools and manual labor, and just never quit. The result is a treasure from the past shared with the present. The restoration of Beckman Mill reminds us of what can be accomplished when people take on every challenge, and work together with determined effort to meet a common and worthy goal.

Think Like a History Detective Yet, restoring the Beckman Mill wasn't easy! Study the photo of the Beckman Mill before restoration began. What kind of challenges do you think the Friends of Beckman Mill faced? Write three challenges in your History Journal.

Beckman Mill before restoration

Imagine taking on the task of rebuilding the dam to restore water power to the Beckman Mill. Along with the huge job of restoring the mill, rebuilding the dam is exactly what the Friends of Beckman Mill did. The dam was completed in 2001. This was made possible through the help of engineers, government officials, and a lot of hard work by volunteers. The project included building a first of its kind curved fish ladder with small pools of water to allow two protected speciies of fish (Redfin Shiner and the Starhead Top Minnow) to move from the stream below to the pond above the dam.

photo courtesy Friends of Beckman Mill

Restoration of the Beckman Mill Dam Before and After

Fish Ladder photo courtesy Friends of Beckman Mill

photos courtesy Bill Schuette

The Workings of the Beckman Mill Video

Watch the video to learn about the restoration of Beckman Mill. Along the way, you will learn how grain was milled there and about the mechanical genius that made that happen. Consider these questions: • • •

How long did it take to restore the Beckman Mill? What was needed to restore the Beckman Mill? How does the Beckman Mill help to explain the history of how communities grew in the 1800s?

Find the video at: https://saukcountyhistory.org/ mill-and-dams#beckman

Beckman Mill Dam - photo courtesy Bill Schuette

Saving History In 1977 the Beckman Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a very special honor. There are more than 80,000 locations in the United States listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes about 2,300 sites in Wisconsin. There are discoveries to be made at each of these places.

Think Like a History Detective This is a photo of Charles Beckman in 1948.

Charles Beckman photo courtesy Friends of Beckman Mill

•

What does this photo show?

•

What facts about mills could share with others?

•

Why is it important to know about this time in history?

you

Discovering History What can you discover in each photo? Look for details to help with your discovery. What do the details tell you about how the mill worked? What questions come to mind? Write about each photo in your History Journal. Add any questions you have.

photos courtesy Bill Schuette

Buckwheat Buckwheat was milled at grist mills across Wisconsin, including at Beckman Mill.

While buckwheat seems like a grain, it actually is a fruit. Buckwheat is easy to grow. Buckwheat flour can be dark or light. It is very high in protein. Buckwheat flour can be used in place of wheat by people who are allergic to wheat flour. Sometimes it is mixed with rice flour. Bread, pancakes, noodles, rolls, and other baked goods can be made from buckwheat flour. Here's a buckwheat recipe for pancakes, perhaps served with real maple syrup, butter. This recipe is from 1908!

Buckwheat Cakes (pancakes)

Recipe from

1 cake yeast 2 cupfuls of lukewarm milk 1 tablespoonful molasses 1/2 teaspoonful salt 1 quart buckwheat flour

Household Discoveries Curtis's Cookbook

and

Mrs.

published by Success 1908, page 805.

Company,

Dissolve the yeast in the milk. Rub together the flour, molasses, and salt; add to this the milk containing the yeast, and rub until perfectly smooth, then stir in two cupfuls lukewarm milk or water. To this add sufficient buckwheat flour to make a thin batter, which should be rubbed perfectly smooth. Set the batter in a moderately warm place to rise overnight. In the morning thin if necessary, and fry on well-greased griddle.

The Milling Process at Beckman Mill

Think Like a History Detective Grain brought to Beckman Mill entered the mill from inside the sheltered drive-through. From there it traveled to the raw grain funnel. Where did it go next? Follow the grain from delivery of grain into the funnel to grain poured into bags at the end of the process.

Chapter 7 Hydroelectric Dams Power Plant Dam - Prairie du Sac photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Hydroelectric is the scientific term for water power that generates electricity.

There are over 100 hydroelectric dams in Wisconsin. Each generates electricity to power homes and businesses. Hydroelectric power is considered renewable energy. This means that no part of the energy resource is lost when generating power. Therefore, water is not lost in the generation of electric power at the dam. The map shows the locations of some of the hydroelectric dams in Wisconsin. Which dam on the map is closest to where you live?

hydroelectric - electricity generated by water power

Word Power 49

How a Hydroelectric Dam Works The generation of electricity begins with the flow of water! A large river with a big drop in elevation is chosen for the dam. A large volume of water is stored behind the dam in what is called a reservoir. A water intake is located near the bottom of the dam wall. Gravity causes water to fall through the penstock inside the dam. At the end of the penstock the flow of water turns a turbine. The turbine converts the energy of the flowing water into mechanical energy

source: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-scence-school/science/hydroelectric-power-how-it-works

The turbine is connected to a generator. The generator coverts mechanical energy into electricity. Electricity moves from the generator to the transformer and then to transmission lines. Electricity moves along the transmission lines and then to power distribution lines found throughout several communities. These distribution lines carry electricity to homes and businesses. All the while, water continues to flow into the turbine and then into the river downstream from the dam. Electricity continues to be generated. No water is lost in this efficient, energy-generation process.

History Detective Question What changes did the generation of electricity by hydroelectric dams bring to a region? Answer this question in your History Journal.

Hydroelectric dams have been built in Wisconsin across rivers that are big enough and have enough drop in elevation to produce a large amount of electrical power. A lake forms behind the dam. The power company sells the electricity produced by the dam's turbine and generator. Most of Wisconsin's electric power comes from burning natural gas and coal. However, about 4 percent of Wisconsin's electric power is produced by hydroelectric dams. The dam below is located in Prairie du Sac and provides electricity to homes and businesses in south central Wisconsin. Behind it is Lake Wisconsin.

Hydroelectric Power Plant - Prairie du Sac Photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The following poem was written in 1989 by Denman Kramer as a tribute to the building of the Prairie du Sac hydroelectric dam. How would you describe his feelings about the dam? Denman Kramer mentions several risks taken to build the dam. What are three risks mentioned in the poem?

The Dam by Denman Kramer It seems well taken to recall - just how it came to be The great historic landmark - in our community. The Hydro-Electric Plan and Dam - just north of Prairie du Sac The contribution it has made - and trace its history back. To marvel how it's there in all - its majesty it stands And wonder how it could have been - put there by human hands. For there were those equipped to know - who said that it would seem To be downright impossible - to harness such a stream. Some would have gladly given up - by throwing in the sponge But there were men who had the nerve - who dared to take the plunge. And there was a promoter too - who proved it could be done Who was the most responsible - Magnus Swenson was the one. Designed and engineered by men - who were the pioneers Who launched this giant project which - has lasted all these years. The case of "Hydromania" - which Magnus Swenson caught With the help from his friend Daniel Mead - a miracle was wrought. They were the ones promoting this - gigantic enterprise The first west of Niagara Falls - of such enormous size. Yet nothing of its magnitude - was ever done before And little did they realize - what problems were in store. In January 1911 - the work on it began Then R.G. Walters came to be - a key man in the plan. The four years of construction served - as project engineer And brought it to completion with - the course that he would steer. 52

He had the nerve to undertake - a job that was this large The work was in good hands indeed - while Roscoe was in charge. Surmounted every obstacle - their efforts dared not fail They battled with the elements - on a colossal scale. The progress in construction work - was interrupted twice Washed out by massive flooding - and breaking up of ice. These men of vision persevered - at last fulfilled the Dream We're told it was accomplished by - extensive use of steam. Steam ran the pile drivers - the mixers and the cranes With everything delivered by - steam engine driven trains. And now we note that seventy-five - long years have now gone past It's true our Hydro Plant and Dam - were clearly built to last. Continuously for all this time - it's generated power Production and the river flows - recorded every hour. With the necessary overhaul - and masonry renewal And making sure things are kept up - in first class shape the rule. Hard working crews watch over it - with tender loving care A very fitting monument - to those who put it there. The families it supports and - the jobs that it provides The power that it generates - a fishing site besides. The machines are automated - equipment modernized And operation of the plant - is now computerized. The plant and dam are well maintained - and thanks to this endeavor Most likely like the river will - continue on forever. Denman Kramer written in 1989 Source: Sauk County Historical Society archives

What did you learn from reading the poem? Write down three new ideas in your History Journal. To view images of the inside of the power plant at Prairie du Sac, go to https://saukcountyhistory.org/prairie-du-sac-photos

Hydroelectric Turbines

source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_turbine_(en_2).sv

The work of hydroelectric turbines and generators provides electricity to communities across Wisconsin. While hydroelectric power plants produce only a small amount of electricity used by the people of Wisconsin, they remain an importance source of generation. Today we depend on electricity for many things. Did you ever lose power at your house duing an ice storm or bad thunderstorm? What was it like? In your History Journal make a list of at least ten things that need electricity to work. After each item write what the item does when it is plugged into an electrical power source. What would you use to do the same task if you didn't have electricity? For example, you might use a flashlight if the lights at your house didn't work. Be creative in your problem solving. Are their somethings you do everyday that simply are not possible to do without electricity? 54

Chapter 8 Paper Mills Paper is everywhere. From the books you read to the worksheets you write on to the paper towel you use to clean up spills. The paper industry in Wisconsin goes all the way back to 1848 when Milwaukee printers supplied newsprint to publishers as far away as Chicago. Newsprint at that time was made with rags, straw, and waste paper. The paper industry in Wisconsin quickly grew. Soon paper mills were built in the Fox River Valley. The making of paper changed from rags and straw to the use of wood pulp in the late 1800s. With plenty of trees and rivers for water power, northeast Wisconsin was a good place for paper mills. The growth of paper mills brought people to the region to work at the busy mills. By the late 1800s paper mills were being built across the central northwest region of Wisconsin known as the Chippewa River Valley. Logging became an important industry for providing the wood pulp needed by the paper mills.

Fox River Valley

Chippewa River Valley

map sources: https://tinyurl.com/3y5aadhe https://tinyurl.com/3987hb4n

newsprint - paper made from wood pulp

used for printing newspapers

Word Power 55

By the 1920s Wisconsin was a leading producer of newsprint. However, Wisconsin paper mills soon had to compete with paper mills in Canada. The mills in Canada could make paper for less money. With that, some paper mills in Wisconsin switched from making newsprint to making tissue paper, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, and other special types of paper. Paper mills helped to build communities, such as Green Bay and Wisconsin Rapids. As with the yarn, lumber, and flour mills of the past, people moved to areas where paper mills were built. Here they could work at the paper mill, earn money, and support other businesses with their ability to buy products sold at local stores, as well as purchase homes and cars. As more and more people moved to the area to work at a paper mill, communities expanded in size and population. Today Wisconsin has about thirty-five paper mills that employ over 30,000 people. Thousands more work in the timber industry. The timber companies supply paper mills with the wood pulp needed for making paper. Yet, the paper industry in Wisconsin faces on-going challenges. Competition from paper mills in other states and countries, labor shortages, and a changing market for paper products all contribute to the financial difficulties faced by Wisconsin's paper industry. For example, far less newsprint is used today than in the 1900s. Yet, the market for cardbaord is increasing due to the growth of online shopping.

Market trends show that the cardboard industry was valued at almost $37 billion in 2021 and may reach up to $46 billion by 2027.

Paper mills cannot always easily convert from one type of paper manufacturing to another. Changing from producing newsprint to producting paper towels, for example, requires new equipment. This is expensive. It also means retraining the workforce to use new machines. Sometimes old paper mill buildings are not the right size to house the equipment needed to manufacture different types of paper products. Sometimes new ways of manufacturing include using robots to do jobs once done by humans. In all, many changes need to be managed. 56

When it is not possible to manage all the changes needed to make different types of products, the mill might close. When that happens, the people who worked there lose their jobs.

photo of the inside of a paper mill (Image by Dávid Lehoczki from Pixabay)

For example, in June 2020, the Verso paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids closed. The closure of the mill was due to a decline in demand for paper used in advertising and other industries. The closure meant a loss of about 1000 jobs at the mill. At the time it was one of the region's largest employers. The closure also meant a loss of jobs for those in the timber industry who supplied the mill with wood pulp. Workers hoped that a new company would purchase the mill and convert it to produce paper products that were more in demand. A company from Sweden did purchase the plant, but in 2024 disclosed plans to sell the mill but keep the hydroelectric generating facilities and another paper converting facility. This meant jobs for some 130 workers. The closing of a paper mill affects everyone in a community and can have a ripple effect. Small businesses, such as restaurants, clothing stores, hardware stores, and car dealerships that depended on sales to paper mill workers might close for lack of sales. The value of homes might fall as more people look to sell their homes and move to other communities to find work. As businesses close and the value of property falls, less taxes are paid to local government. The closing of a paper mill can cause a lot of financial and social distress in a community.

Communities affected by the closure of paper mills often look to state legislators to provide ways to help keep mills open and save jobs. When that's not possible, some mill workers may start businesses related to the paper industry, find other jobs in the community, or go to school to be retrained for new types of jobs in new careers. Some may decide to move away for new careers or for jobs in paper mills far way. The closing of a mill is a turning point in the life of the community and the surrounding area.

Historic Fox River Mills, Appleton, Wisconsin source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_turbine_(en_2).svg

Saving History An example of creative use of an old paper mill is the repurposing of the Fox River Mills as apartments. The buildings date from 1883 to 1915. At one time the mills employed hundreds of workers and helped build a strong economy in Appleton, Wisconsin. That ended in the 1980s when the mills were considered outdated. The question then was: What should happen to the buildings? Creative thinkers and developers took on the task. Today the buildings are called the Historic Fox River Mills. The three original buildings were converted to 175 beautiful apartments that retain their original historic look. The project cost almost $16 million.

Chapter 9 Dam Removal

La Valle Mill and Dam photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Some communities may keep a dam after a mill closes because the lake that formed behind the dam is used for fishing and for recreation. Other communities may decide to remove the dam. Dam removal can cause disagreement in a community. Some may feel removing the dam is the right thing to do to allow the river to flow freely. Others may feel the dam is part of the community's history and should remain. Which is more important?

The story of the removal of dams on the Baraboo River is an example of the debate on the costs and benefits of dam removal. The dams built across the Baraboo River powered the mills. The mills powered the economy of each community. The communities provided a workforce for the mills. Each dam became part of the community's identity. Losing a mill was difficult for communities along the river. For some, losing a dam built decades ago was an even greater loss.

Word Power

economy - the amount of products bought and sold and its effect on a person's ability to buy new products 59

Dams on the Baraboo River The Baraboo River stretches some 120 miles and flows through four counties: Monroe, Juneau, Sauk, and Columbia. During the 1800s eleven dams were built across the Baraboo River. The map below shows the Baraboo River watershed, or the area that drains into the Baraboo River. This produces the river's volume and flow. • •

Can you find eight dams on the map? Hint: Look for orange markings. The river begins near Kendall. Into which river does the Baraboo River flow?

diagram courtesy: Sand County Foundation

What? When? Where? Let's take a quick look at eight of the dams built across the Baraboo River. As you study the information about each dam, answer these questions in your History Journal: • • • • • •

Which dam was built first? Which dams powered grist mills? Which dams powered sawmills? Which dams were used to generate electricity? Which dam was used to pump water to the city? Which dams were removed between 1996 and 2001?

Elroy Dam • • •

built in 1857 powered a sawmill and a grist mill dam washed out in the 1929 flood

Wonewoc Dam • • • •

built in 1855 powered a saw mill and grist mill once considered a possible source for electric power dam removed in 1996

La Valle Dam • • • • •

built in 1849 powered a sawmill and flour mill generated hydroelectric power ground corn and other grains for animal feed dam removed in 2001 La Valle Dam photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

Reedsburg Woolen Mill Dam • • •

built in 1847 powered a flour mill and woolen mill dam removed in 1973

Island Woolen Mill Dam (Baraboo) • • • •

built in 1845 powered woolen mill and furniture factory mill closed in 1949 dam removed in 1972

Oak Street Dam (Baraboo) • • • • •

Island Woolen Mill Dam photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

first built in 1844 found bones of a mammoth during construction of a nearby mill powered a textile mill (towels and rugs) powered a flour mill, machine shop, and later a hydroelectric generator dam removed in 2000

Waterworks Dam (Baraboo) • • • • •

built in 1858 used to pump water from springs to a city water supply secondary use to generate electricity turbines stop working in 1974 dam removed in 1998

Linen Mill Dam (Baraboo) • • • •

built in 1896 powered the making of linen started generating hydroelectric power in 1927 last dam removed - 2001

Baraboo Waterworks photo courtesy Sauk County Historical Society

The Past versus The Future Mills and dams are an important part of Wisconsin's history. Mills helped build the communities that grew throughout the 1800s and into the 1900s. When dams washed out from flooding, the people of the community helped to rebuild them to keep the mills working. • • •

What happens when a dam needs repairs and the price tag to make the repairs is just too high? What happens if the mill has been closed for a long time and the dam no longer serves a purpose? What happens when scientists say that fishing would be better and the river would be healthier if the dams were removed? Beginning in the 1970s, one by one engineers discovered problems with the dams built across the Baraboo River. They felt the dams built years earlier should be removed to keep people safe. Experts also believed removing the dams would increase the variety of fish found in the river and improve the river's ecosystem.

Baraboo River photo courtesy Seth Taft

Removal of the dams caused a lot of disagreement among the residents of Sauk County. Yet, between 1997 and 2001, key partners, including the Sand County Foundation, the Wisconsin River Alliance, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked together to remove the four remaining dams on the river. For a while it seemed like lower river levels and muddy river banks were the only results of dam removal. Yet, slowly the river recovered. The DNR studied the impact of removal of the dams on the Baraboo River. This is what they found: • • •

Before dam removal 23 species of fish were found. Three years after removal of the last dam 78 species of fish were found. Populations of aquatic insects improved.

Today the Baraboo River is believed to be the longest restored free-flowing river in the United States. The river corridor has become a popular place to kayak and canoe. The river is helping to once again build the economies of communities along the river through recreation, new housing, and park development. 63

Running Free: The Baraboo River Restoration Story Video

You now know a lot about the history of mills and dams of Wisconsin. However, this is not the end of the story. History is always being made. Watch the video to see how the story of the Baraboo River continues.

Find the video at https://saukcountyhistory.org/mill-and-dams#runningfree

Video courtesy Friends of the Baraboo River, https://friendsoftheboo.org/

Projects Chapter 3: The Growth of Farming Project Ideas Interview a Farmer Invite a local farmer to the class. Have students ask prepared questions. Students should write a summary essay about the visit. Visit a Working Farm Take an onsite or virtual tour of a working farm. Students should have prepared questions for the farm. Importantly, students should ask about changing trends in farming, the economics of managing a farm, and what farmers like best about farming. Learning about Flour Have a local bakery explain the difference in types of flour. Students should have the opportunity to taste breads made from wheat, rye, and oat flour, if possible. Locally made jam or other homemade items sold at a local market could also be made available for taste-testing. Farm Animals Have students explore the types of animals raised on a farm. Students could make a farm animal photo collage. Alternatively, divide students into groups and have them share what they learned about farm animals at a farm fair. Invite high school students from the local Future Farmers of America (FFA) to be part of the farm fair.

Chapter 4: The Building of Mills and Dams Project Ideas Make a Diagram Have students work in groups to learn more about how water powered a mill's water wheel or turbine. Students should create a diagram that explains the mechanics behind water powered mills.

Photo Discovery The Sauk County Historical Society photo archives has many photos of old dams. Find these photos at https://saukcountyhistory.org/photo-collections. Click on the different communities to find images of dams. You could access the Department of Natural Resources Dams Overview page at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/dams/ DamsOverview.html. Choose your favorite photos and create an infographic on the Dams of Wisconsin. Build a Model Build a model to show how water power works. Contact a teacher at the local high school to help with your project. Beaver Dams Beavers are nature's experts at building dams. Learn more about how beavers build their dams by watching this PBS video on beaver dams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82DiWd7KGt0 Look for more information in the library. Then report on what you know about why beavers build their dams and about their importance to the environment.

Chapter 5: The Tale of Two Mills Project Ideas Photos Tell a Story Find photos about the La Valle Mill and the Island Woolen Mill by going to the Sauk County Historical Society historic photo page. https://saukcountyhistory.org/photo-collections Click on the images for Baraboo and La Valle. You have permission to use screenshots of these photos for a school assignment creatively designed by you. The Craft of Spinning Contact a spinner that lives in your area. Ask your local Chamber of Commerce or artisans group. Invite the spinner to speak to your class about the history of spinning cotton and wool into yarn.

Farming Today Learn more about how sheep are sheared and how wool is processed. Create a diagram of the wool process from sheep to fabric. Share your diagram, examples of products made from wool, and actual wool fabric with your class. Wool Products What types of products are made from wool? Why is wool used for winter clothing? Create a poster about products made from wool. Be sure to include information about the benefits of wool on the poster.

Chapter 6: The Restoration of Beckman Mill Project Ideas The Beckman Mill Learn more about the Beckman Mill. Create a flyer about the mill to post at local grocery stores and libraries encouraging people to visit the Beckman Mill. https://www.beckmanmill.org/ What's a Grist Mill? What type of grain is brought to a grist mill for grinding into flour? How was the milling accomplished? Watch the Beckman Mill video (see page 44) to find the answers to these questions. Make a diagram explaining what you learned. Buckwheat Find out more about buckwheat. Buckwheat flour is used in many different types of products. Which have you tried? Look at the grocery store for buckwheat products. Create a poster showing the most interesting buckwheat flour products you found. Grain Elevator On page 48 there is a diagram of how the grain was moved from start to finish at the Beckman Mill. Take a screenshot of the image. Add it to a Google Doc or poster. Add arrows to explain the path the grain took. Write a summary describing how grain moved from delivery of grist to flour ready for market at the Beckman Mill.

Chapter 7: Hydroelectric Dams Project Ideas Using the Internet and Media Search on the Internet for videos that explain the workings of hydroelectric dams. Then think of a creative way to share what you learned with others. Renewable Energy Find out more about renewable energy. Which forms of energy are considered "clean" energy? Why? Create a poster about what you learned. Powering Your Community How is the electricity generated that comes to your community? Contact the power company that sends electricity to homes and businesses where you live. Learn more about how the power is generated. Is any of the electricity generated at a hydroelectric power plant? Create a chart showing what you learned. Geothermal Power Geothermal power is receiving a lot of attention as a good renewaable source of power. What is geothermal power? How can it generate electricity? Where is it found? Research the possibilities and limitations of geothermal energy. Write an essay using what you learned. Be sure to include drawings in your essay.

Chapter 8: Paper Mills Project Ideas News Update Research the status of paper mills in Wisconsin today. How many are operational? How many have closed in the past 50 years? What types of paper are most commonly made in Wisconsin? What is the market trend for paper products? Use charts and graphs to explain your information.

Chapter 9: Dam Removal Project Ideas Unpacking Points of View Watch the Running Free video again. Create a table with three columns. Label the columns: Reasons against dam removal, Reasons for dam removal, Changes due to dam removal. Use the information from the video to complete your table. Then use the information in the table to write a description for the film.

Project Based Learning (Group Project) Now it is your turn. Work with a partner or small team to design a project that shares what you learned about the mills and dams of Wisconsin. Here are some project ideas. You can use one of these ideas or design a project around another topic. Be sure to start your discovery with a driving question. •

how water powered dams

•

the mechanics of a mill

•

hydroelectic power

•

river ecology and health

Your project should have the following: •

Be creative.

•

Use some type of media presentation, such as artwork, slideshow, or music.

•

Be shared with the public, such as your class, invited guests, school administration.

•

Be well organized.

•

Carefully research your topic.

•

Use team effort so that everyone decides what they will do to make sure the team's project is successful.

•

Build on what team members enjoy doing.

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Have team meeetings and a project deadline.

•

Meet regularly to determine what has been accomplished and what yet needs to be done to complete the project.

•

Practice a run-through presentation.

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Present the project to an audience of classmates and guests.

Index 1849 Gold Rush 11

Friends of Beckman Mill 38

artifacts 2

generates 44

grist 37

Baraboo 23

grit 4

buckwheat 43

bygone 34

harvesting 15

historians 2

cash crop 11

historical fiction 2

chinch bug 14

Ho-Chunk 11

Chippewa River Valley 49

Homestead Act of 1862 6

close-knit 16

Hydroelectric 44

compete 50

cooperative 26

industrious 18

curators 2

industry 49

ingenuity 4

Denman Kramer 47

innovation 4

distillery 35

interlocking 17

downstream 45

investment 35

earthen 19

Lake Wisconsin 46

eCommerce 51

Land Act 9

economy 52

land patent 9

elevation 20

lead 11

employment 23

looms 32

engineers 39

miller 19

federal 9

millrace 30

Fox 11

Fox River Valley 49

National Register of Historic Places 41

free-flowing 56

natural gas 46 70

newsprint 49

Turning points 4

Northwest Territory 6

Village of La Valle 26

oxbow 30

volume 20

volunteers 38

penstock 45

Prairie de Sac 47

water power 17

primary sources 1

watershed 53

prosper 17

wheat 11

R railroad 13 reforestation 51 remarkable 37 renewable energy 44 reservoir 45 residents 29 restoration 35 rural 25 rust disease 14 S Sauk 11 scrip warrant 10 Scrip Warrant Acts of 1850 10 secondary source 2 self-sufficient 18 sources 1 staves 28 Steam-powered 16 T threshing machine 15 Townships 8 turbine 19 71

The story of the mills and dam of Wisconsin is one of ingenuity, innovation, and grit. Throughout Wisconsin people harnessed the power of water to saw lumber and grind wheat into flour. Farmers cut forests, removed tree stumps, planted seed, and harvested their fields. At first they used handmade tools. Later they used newly designed farm equipment that was a mechanical marvel at the time. Horse power, water power, and creative technology came together to grow new businesses and build communities across Wisconsin during the 1800s. The gears of change certainly were in motion. This is that story.

"Let the Past Enrich Your Present" About the Author Beverly Vaillancourt is a lifetime educator, author, and curriculum designer. She is intrigued by the lives and times of the past that combined to build the present. She has taught in both public and private schools, created project based curriculums, and designed professional development for teachers. She believes strongly in the importance of history education for those of all ages, and is delighted to tell the story of the history of mills and dams in Wisconsin.