A local story · Otter Tail County

The mill built from memory.

Phelps Mill's story starts with a plan kept in one man's head.

Phelps Mill, its red walls and stone foundation beside the water — Scott Backstrom, public domain. Existing photograph, framed to fit.

Otter Tail County's history says Royal Powers framed the mill without a blueprint or sketch. Construction finished in October 1889, and milling began that December.

Its water wheel weighed more than 7,000 pounds. Horse and wagon carried it nine miles from Underwood, a trip that took a full day.

Farmers brought wheat and sometimes stayed at the Farmers Roost. Milling ended in 1939. The county purchased the site in 1965.

A place that holds memories.

A walk beside the river, a festival day, a first look inside. Familiar places can hold different stories for each person who returns.

What is your Phelps Mill memory?

The mill built from memory.

A place that holds memories.

Keep exploring.