Alexander’s Mill mill has been in operation for over a century. The mill was originally built as a flour mill by James Alexander in 1855. It was powered by waste water diverted around the canal lock.

Its original owner is now buried at Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery.

Alexander has a difficult time trusting his descendants with the family business.

According to several sources he still wanders the mill and is keeping watch over its workers. He makes sure the business is run according to his high standards.

The mill’s wooden water wheel was replaced by a water turbine in the late 1800′s and remained in use until the 1970′s. Now just the metal part of the wheel is there.

I would love to see a picture of the water wheel in operation, if you have one please send it to me!

The mill is now a grain and feed store, but the original the original building remains much as it has been, aside from the water wheel.

When I went there, it was after a 2.5 mile walk from Crazy Man’s Hollow and the store was closed and I was unable to see inside. I might try to go back when I get some pictures of the canal lock farther up the canal.

Oh, and don’t forgot to check out Alexander Lock #37 on the Ohio & Erie Canal section of the site.

Sources and Related Links

• Haunted Cuyahoga: Alexander’s Mill

In 1855, Andrew and Robert Alexander built a grist mill near this canal lock. It was called the Alexander’s Mill, a.k.a. the 14 Mile Lock Mill.

Water from the canal was channeled towards the mill through a millrace, where it was used to turn a waterwheel, probably an undershot.

The mill was later converted to run on a turbine, but it still used water from the canal.

In 1900, the mill was purchased by Thomas G. Wilson, and renamed the Wilson’s Mill. Thomas operated the mill using water power up until 1969, when it was converted to electric power. Today, the mill is operated by Thomas Wilson’s son, Tom Wilson, and it’s used to process animal feed.

The Vanochek Family built a house, barn, general store, and a tavern next this canal lock.

Old Lock Gates

Water Control Gate

By opening water control gates, a section of the canal could be drained for maintenance and repair. This was usally done during the winter when adverse weather shut down the canal use.

Very little of the original structure remains; the concrete wing walls are a modern improvement.

Sources and Related Links

• The Johnny Apple Seed of the Ohio & Erie Canal: Lock 37
• Abandoned Ohio: Lock 37

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