BRIDGETON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– When Mike Roe and his wife bought the Bridgeton Mill back in 1995, there were plenty of people who didn’t think it would last another 5 years.
“We bought it from a little, old lady, she was 82, it was in her family for over 50 years,” Roe said. “Everybody was like, ‘Eh, that building’s in bad shape, it ought to be torn down. You’re not going to be able to do anything.’”
After years of restoration work, Roe proved the naysayers wrong.
Hundreds came out on Tuesday to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the building. It is a long time coming for Roe, who said the path to this point wasn’t always easy.
“Restoring the dam almost took us four years,” he said. “And with volunteers, because without volunteers, we could not have done this. It’s worked. I mean, look where we are.”
There was plenty to see for those who made the trip. A bluegrass band played live music for a part of the afternoon, and many brought their swimsuits so they could cool off in the creek right next to the building.
Roe said he enjoyed seeing new faces who previously had never visited the town.
“One of the really pleasant things was we had so many people come here who had never been here before. It was their first trip. And they were like, ‘Wow, wow,’ and asking all kinds of questions,” he said.
The event on Tuesday was a celebration of a location Roe believes is special to many in Parke County because of its history.
“Thousands and thousands of little towns started around an old mill. In most cases, the mills are gone but the towns are still there. Here we not only have the mill, but pretty much the authentic old town is still here, which is very rare,” he said. “Everybody loves it, it’s like the Eiffel Tower of Parke County.”
The mill will be open almost everyday until the first week of December, when it will then close down for the winter. And while Roe is looking forward to the rest of the year, Tuesday’s festivities will always have a special place in his heart.
“It was just a wonderful, wonderful day,” he said. “Lots of wonderful people, and everyone having a great time.”
