Family’s Battle to Save a Historic Treasure

“14 Miracles - A Family’s Battle to 
Save a Historic Treasure”

You have heard the phrase “If only these walls could talk?” Well, with a slight twist, a new book titled “14 Miracles - A Family’s Battle to Save a Historic Treasure” could answer that very question about the old Bridgeton Mill.

“14 Miracles - A Family’s Battle to Save a Historic Treasure” tells the story of Mike and Karen Jean who purchased an old rundown building that stood in the creek with a covered bridge next to it. Under the bridge was the decayed ruins of an old dam. Mike realized this had been a mill dam and it created water power for the building. It was an historic treasure!

The Bridgeton Mill is the oldest continually-operating mill west of the Alleghany Mountains.

This book is the story of the Bridgeton Mill and its restoration here in Parke County. The walls may not be telling the story but the owner is.

For Mike, it was love at first sight for the old dilapidated mill. For Karen Jean—it was an eyesore. However, in 1994, Mike discovered it was for sale and so the story begins. Mike began making offers—for eight months— but ran into a brick wall so to speak! A down payment was needed. With the aid of Mildred, whose family had owned the mill for over 50 years, they were able to make the down payment. Mildred told Mike “I want you to have the mill because I know you are going to do good.” So with her help, Mike and Karen Jean became the owners of the Bridgeton Mill.

 

Before Renovation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, trouble began shortly thereafter and seemed to continue. There was trouble galore— from a collapsing foundation, break-ins, leaking roof, broken windows and more. Law officials kept showing up with more complaints and the couple faced a county filed lawsuit because it was thought that a street, Mill Street, ran through the mill property. It took nearly three years and almost $20,000 to settle the case and defend their new property.

“14 Miracles - A Family’s Battle to Save a Historic Treasure” is on sale at the Historic Bridgeton Mill in Bridgeton, Indiana. Meet Mike and Karen, read of their escapades and see the beautiful results of their determination to save a piece of Indiana’s rich past.