FAQs
The Butte Creek Mill, the former Ice House, and its adjacent garden are owned by the Butte Creek Mill Foundation, which is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit. It was purchased from Robert Russell
Yes, the Butte Creek Mill was insured by Lloyds of London for $400,000. It was extremely difficult to find insurance for the Mill, and, only Lloyds of London would offer such a policy, and it was only for $400,000. With the extent of the damage and the approximately $1,000,000 in antiques lost in the fire, the prior owners lost a considerable amount of money. Much of the insurance proceeds, including the cleanup efforts, were used to mitigate the damage left after the fire. To restore the Mill to its former glory, rather than just building a new structure and losing a piece of history, the Foundation was formed to raise money and secure grants.
We have a top-notch fire suppression system installed.
Yes! We have been able to keep our status, due to the lower level being preserved.
The Butte Creek Mill is open now.
The 1872 water rights associated with powering the Mill are very significant to this project, not only for their use in powering the Mill but also for their environmental impact on the Little Butte Creek, Rogue River, and surrounding area. The Mill has a non-consumptive water right, which means that we do not actually “use” the water, like someone who is irrigating, but in fact keep them in stream and only use the power of the water as it flows through the lower level of the Mill.
In a strategic partnership, Trout Unlimited purchased the water rights from Mr. Robert Russell, the former mill owner, and divided it into two portions. The first portion permanently transfers 6.62 - 8.4 cfs of instream flow to the State of Oregon for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The contract stipulates that the remaining 16 cfs continues to be available to power the Mill's historic and unique milling operations and is kept instream when not in use by the Mill.
Yes and the store is now open!
Yes, we will be making the same flour-based products, including the famous waffle and pancake mix. Expect to see some of your favorites on the shelves and please send us your feedback if you are interested in seeing particular items.
Yes, a garden has been installed, named Debbie's Garden. It is in memory of Debbie Russell, the former owner who passed away from cancer three months prior to the fire. This area is available for community rental.
Yes! As there was in the past, groups will once again be able to use the grounds of the Mill for events, like the Vintage Fair and antique car shows. In addition, we have a Great Room, that has been rebuilt utilizing the original timber framing and vaulted ceilings. The room is available for use by the community for a fee.
Our team continues to uncover opportunities to assist the community with education, history, and maintaining the only water-powered grist mill on this side of the Mississippi River. With opportunity comes physical challenges and new projects. We need your continued donations in order to meet these needs and to properly maintain the historical structure.