A mill was constructed in 1892 to grind animal feed and saw lumber on the south bank of the Root River. Both these functions were combined after the first sawmill, built in 1857, became outdated and the first gristmill was shut down in 1880. This mill was just downstream from the ruins of an earlier gristmill.

The winter image shows the mill in operation shortly after the turn of the century. The people in the foreground of the pictures may include owner Herman Luedtke and engineer Ed Barr. A team of horses in full harness waits by the building in the foreground. The building on the far left with the smokestack was the engine house. Inside, a 14-horsepower traction steam engine loudly powered both the feed and sawmill equipment. This building was located near the river where water for the boiler could be pumped into the steam engine. Note the logs that were stacked outside the building for eventual milling.

The second view shows what appears to be a skid used for bringing heavy logs in for milling. Inside the engine house, a steam tractor can be seen, with the large belts, smokestack and right wheel visible. Also evident is the large mound of saw dust in the left foreground and a harnessed team of draft horses in the middle of the view. Beyond the trees, the Meighen house, store, implement shed and large multi-purpose barn are visible.