Near Powell in Delaware County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mulzer Mill Complex

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 13, 2018

1. Mulzer Mill Complex Marker

Inscription. Herman Mulzer’s saw mill and grist mill, seen in this circa 1900 photograph, sat on the west bank of the Olentangy River, across from the river from where you are now. The grist mill came into existence around 1817, and was operated by Mulzer from 1877 until his death in 1906. Mulzer’s home sat on the hillside just across Olentangy River Road from the mill.

Mulzer’s success with his saw mill was in large part based on sales of kegs and wood chips to brewers in the German Village area. Herman Mulzer (standing at the left in this photograph, taken in 1901) was an accomplished woodworker, having learned his trade in Germany.

Mulzer frequently entertained his clients with card parties and live music in the grape arbor behind his home, as seen in this circa 1900 photograph. He transported his clients from the Powell railroad depot in a horse-drawn wagon.

Background photograph taken in September 2013 showing remains of Mulzer Dam.

Erected 2014 by Metro Parks, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Environmental Services. Special thanks to the Powell Liberty Historical Society for providing the historic photographs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is September 2013.

Location.

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40° 9.303′ N, 83° 2.648′ W. Marker is near Powell, Ohio, in Delaware County. Marker can be reached from Columbus Pike (U.S. 23). Marker is in Highbanks Metro Park, at the northwest edge of the Big Meadows picnic area. It is physically near the intersection of Powell Road (Ohio Route 750) and Olentangy River Road (Ohio Route 315) where there is a pedestrian gate, but there is no parking anywhere near this heavily travelled two-lane road with no shoulders. There is plenty of parking in the park at the marker and there is no charge to enter. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center OH 43035, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Union Land Company and the Case Family / The Olentangy River Road (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mulzer Mill Complex (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kingwood Memorial Park Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Four Chaplains (approx. 1.6 miles away); James Kilbourne / Anson Williams (approx. 1.7 miles away); Powell WW I Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); Powell Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Gooding House and Tavern / Rural Taverns in Early Ohio History (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Powell.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 13, 2018

2. Mulzer Mill Complex Marker

Mulzer Mill on the Olentangy near Powell Ohio image. Click for full size.

Oil by Eugene Chase., February 24, 1989

3. Mulzer Mill on the Olentangy near Powell Ohio

This painting is in the Powell Liberty Historical Society collection. Used by permission.

Herman Mulzer (d.1906) image. Click for full size.

4. Herman Mulzer (d.1906)

Katherine Mulzer (1844–1926) image. Click for full size.

5. Katherine Mulzer (1844–1926)

From her obituary in June 17, 1926 issue of The Worthington News: “Mrs. Mulzer was born at Marysville, Ohio. She was united in marriage to Herman Mulzer in 1866. Mrs. Mulzer spent the greater part of her life near Powell, Ohio, where her husband operated a water power grist mill.”

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on January 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4, 5. submitted on February 6, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.