Cedar Creek Mill

     Located on a steep rocky slope overlooking the narrow Cedar Creek Gorge and just upstream of its confluence with the Lewis River, the Red Bird Mill welcomed its first customers in 1876. Built by George Woodham and his sons, Clark County families which frequented the mill were part of the Great Migration into Oregon's Willamette Valley and the Washington Territory. When the mill dam was heavily damaged by floating debris, the Woodhams became discouraged and sold the mill property, leading to a long line of successive mill owners.
     Long before money was a commonplace medium of exchange in rural areas, mill owners would accept a portion of grain for payment of their part in producing flour and meal. One mill owner raised hogs as a sideline, using leftover corn as feed. Unfortunately even this extra income was insufficient to keep the mill in the black. Over time the mill began to cater to the lumbering industry. By the early 1900s, the mill was used to produce shingles, and a machine shop occupied the first floor. Even though the mill was geared toward mechanical work, music, dancing and weekend get-togethers were still common occurrences at Cedar Creek.
     By the 1980s, the mill had severely deteriorated, inviting vandals to finish it off. Luckily a local group stepped in, calling themselves Friends of the Cedar Creek Grist Mill. After months and months of hand labor, the structure was authentically repaired. Work parties also repaired the flume and by 1994 the mill was put back to operating condition. The addition of an authentic looking covered bridge, spanning Cedar Creek, clinched this picturesque mill setting.

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