Greenfield Mills

Greenfield Mills is one of the most exciting historic mills in our nation because it continues to grind flour with equipment built in the 1870’s. Their “New Rinkel Flour” is prized for its variety as well as its “all natural product line.”

 

Greenfield Mills is located north of Orland Indiana approx. 3 miles west and is located just inside the Indiana Stateline on the Fawn River.

 

Here are a few of the functioning artifacts that make Greenfield Mills a living history:

 

Three "Darnard Leas" Roller Mills

One "Sprout and Waldron" Roller Mill

S. Howes Co. Silver Creek, NY Flour Packer

Robinson Unique Plane Sifter

and

The 167-year-old mill building.

 

Trees were cut nearby in 1846 and the timbers that support the old mill. Measuring 50’ long and 10” square, these white oak beams support the mill's outer walls on the north and south elevation at all three levels. You can view their massive beams best on the 3rd (top) level of the mill. Also you can find siding visible on the third level cut from a single 36" wide, old-growth log.

 

There are two generators powered by two Leffel Turbines. The 1925 generator is a 125KW. The 1932 generator is an 80KW and together they generate 2400 volts. The energy created by Greenfield Mills power produces electricity for eleven homes, one barn, two Rinkel Mills and 4 additional houses. The excess electricity is sold back to the grid to Northern Indiana Public Service Company.

 

 

Henry Rinkel purchased Greenfield Mills in 1904.

 

Greenfield Mills is one of our milling's finest example of an historical mill in continuous production.

 

Make sure you plan a trip to Greenfield Mills. You will discover the rare opportunity to see and enjoy milling history in action.

 

History

 

The Greenfield Mill was built in 1846 by Amos Davis. Davis built the mill building, dam, and waterwheel. Over the years the mill had many owners and was subject to various changes. It was in 1904 that Henry Rinkel purchased the mill. At this time the dam had been washed out and the mill required maintenance and updating. Henry Rinkel had no idea that his determination and restoration of Greenfield Mills would be today's (2013) owners and millers of five generations of the Rinkel's. The legacy of restoration set in 1904 to allow Greenfield Mills to prosper has continued throughout his family. As new technology developed, roller mills, turbines and multiple lines of milling equipment have been implemented at Greenfield Mills.

 

The mill's name had been retained nearly since the beginning of the building's construction, Greenfield Mills. In 1906, once Henry had completed the restoration of the dam, the building and the milling equipment, he started milling one of the finest flour made in Indiana. He named his flour "The Rinkel Flour." The Rinkel Flour still carries Henry's Family name and is recognized as one of today's prized flours and pancake mixes.

 

There are numerous characteristics unique to Greenfield Mills. One of the most interesting aspects includes the hydro-electric power generated at the mill near the dam on the Fawn River. It is Indiana's "Smallest Electric Utility Company." Greenfield Mill turbines not only power their two mills but also supplies the electricity for eleven homes near the power source.

 

Today Greenfield Mills generates their own energy to power their mills, produces some of the highest quality, ground flour in the nation, supplies bread flour, organic pastry flour, amazing types of pancake mixes, whole wheat pancake mixes, pastry flour, and they are open for the public to tour their mill Monday through Friday by appointment at 260-367-2394

 

On a side note the State of Indiana DNR approximately 20 years ago decided it was wise to open the gate on a retention pond allowing 100,000 cubic yards of silt and sands to go 5 miles downstream severely limiting the water capacity of the mill pond...

 

 

Done