Local metal fabrication company Rebsco Fabrication and Supply, led by John Lecklider, along with Terry Clark, handled the careful removal, repair, and reinstallation of the turbines. The primary work centered on rebuilding the turbine gates, which regulate water flow and power generation.
The improvements have already made a noticeable difference. The repaired gates now provide a tighter seal, reducing water loss and improving efficiency, while also allowing for a broader range of motion—giving millers greater control over grinding operations.
The project also included a second phase addressing structural concerns. Concrete pillars and walls were replaced, new steel beams were installed beneath existing supports, and additional floor joists were added to reinforce aging wood structures. H&M Precision Concrete was awarded both phases of the work through a competitive bidding process.
Rob Clifford, director of the Darke County Park District, said the project represents years of planning and effort.
“This is an exciting morning for us, a couple of years in the making,” Clifford said. “Our historic mill is 177 this year. A couple of years ago, when the Park District took over in 2021, we knew there was a lot of foundational work that needed to be done.”
Clifford credited both past fundraising efforts and recent state support for making the project possible.
“We went for a State Capitol ask, and I knew it would be important, but I didn’t know how fast it would allow us to speed up the process,” he said. “We would still be fundraising if we weren’t able to have the state’s help.”
That help came in the form of a $275,000 one-time grant secured with assistance from State Representative Angie King.
“Thank you, Representative King, for your work in helping us get that one-time grant,” Clifford said. “This funding is what made this happen. Without this funding, we would be chipping away, but now it’s complete and the mill is on much better footing than it has been for a long while.”
King praised the project and its long-term impact on preserving local history.
“I am very pleased to advocate for Bear’s Mill,” King said. “Because of your care and preservation of this gem, it is truly a treasure not only for Darke County but for the State of Ohio—it’s going to be around for generations to come.”
She also emphasized the importance of community involvement in securing state support.
“There are a lot of requests, and this is one of those projects that not only I believed in but the State as well,” King said. “The local participation means a lot, too. There’s a lot of support behind it from the community—it’s historical, it’s not just a treasured project here locally, but it’s a State treasure also—a true gem.”
Greenville Mayor Jeff Whitaker echoed those sentiments, highlighting the mill’s significance to the region.
“This is an incredible icon here for Darke County,” Whitaker said. “This building has been here since 1849—177 years. Such a beautiful setting right here, just outside of Greenville.”
Whitaker encouraged residents and visitors alike to experience the restored site.
“Come by, it’s an incredible sight,” he said. “It has the water going right behind here. Come inside and see the mill and go through the shop—a lot of neat things.”
He also commended King’s efforts in securing funding for the district.
“Representative King does an incredible job for this district,” Whitaker said. “She is very easily accessible, wants to improve this district as much as possible, and she does a great job of getting our share of the state funds in this area.”
The Park District extended its thanks to numerous contributors, including Mote & Associates, H&M Precision Concrete, Rebsco, Inc., The Friends of Bear’s Mill, the Clark family, and many volunteers who helped bring the project to completion.
With the restoration now finished, Bear’s Mill stands on stronger footing—both structurally and historically—ensuring the 177-year-old landmark will continue to serve as a working piece of history for generations to come.
