Posen Township in Presque Isle County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Elowsky Mill

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

1. Elowsky Mill Marker

Inscription. According to local historians, Prussian immigrant Michael Elowsky fled the political turmoil brewing in Eastern Europe in 1862. He settled in Detroit, was joined by his family, and migrated to Presque Isle County around 1870. Prior to 1885 he moved a part of this structure from Trout River and eventually developed a complex of flour, shingle, siding, planing, and lath milling operations. Residents of Metz, Posen and Krakow Townships brought grain and timber to this mill, which closed in October 1963.

Erected 2002 by Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number 2000.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1963.

Location. 45° 13.275′ N, 83° 44.36′ W. Marker is near Posen, Michigan, in Presque Isle County. It is in Posen Township. Marker is at the intersection of Leer Road and Long Lake Highway, on the right when traveling south on Leer Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13796 Leer Rd, Posen MI 49776, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Leer / Norwegian Lutheran Church (approx. 1.9 miles away); Presque Isle Electric Cooperative Monument (approx. 3½ miles away); In Memory of Our Common Ancestors

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(approx. 3½ miles away); The Metz Fire (approx. 5.3 miles away); World’s Largest Limestone Quarry (approx. 13.4 miles away); Site of Rogers City's First Flour Mill (approx. 14.2 miles away); Site of Gumm Furniture Store (approx. 14.2 miles away); Site of Bertram Building (approx. 14.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Posen.

Also see . . . The History of Hemlock Mills. Excerpt:

Elowsky & Miller saw technological advances as the means to push them ahead and closely followed the modernizations taking place back east. As soon as business became profitable, they upgraded their coarse American grinding stone to a French buhr stone system, which produced superior, finer flour. Next, the partners invested in two Leffel horizontal turbines to power the mill, rather than use the old overshot waterwheel, which dramatically improved the water-power efficiency. And more importantly in Northern Michigan, they were submerged below the ice, so the mill could run nearly year ‘round, even in Winter.

(Submitted on September 30, 2023.)

Elowsky Mill and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

2. Elowsky Mill and Marker

The Thunder Bay River is on the left. The other sign reads “Private Property. Do not enter unescorted. For Elowsky Mill tours: Call Tammy @ 989-464-5864. Tours $5 pp, 12 & under free.”

Elowsky Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

3. Elowsky Mill

This telephoto view is from the road. The staff of Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond is preparing for a riverside wedding on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 38 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.