Red Star Mill

The Nelsonville Mill is the last of its kind in Portage County. On September 10, 1855, Jerome Nelson purchased land and water rights from Anna and Charles Stoltenberg on which to “construct and maintain a mill dam.” Nelson, for whom Nelsonville is named, built the dam and sawmill in 1855. The Mill was built in 1868 upon his return from serving in the Civil War. It was operated as a business until 1984. Of particular interest is the Woodward Governor turbine, which was ordered in 1917 for the Jackson Milling Company.

The Mill has a storied history. An 1870 advertisement refers to the “Rising Star Flouring Mill, Jerome Nelson, proprietor.., all work done.., warranted to give satisfaction.” Nelson produced various kinds of flour under the brand names of Gold Coin, Legal Tender, and Climax.

In 1916, the Mill was sold to the Jackson Milling Company of Stevens Point. Wisconsin Power and Light took over the mill in 1929. In 1936 they closed down the Mill because it was unable to produce enough electricity and was too costly. A federal tax was being levied and small power plants were unable to function profitably.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) purchased the land and the mill in 1984 in order to gain control of the dam. The building was sold to the Portage County Historical Society in January of 1985. The WDNR removed the spillway in 1988 to restore almost a mile of the Tomorrow River to a Class I trout stream.

Today the Mill is available to rent for meetings and similar activities. There is an annual art show and sale, several concerts, and an open house each year at the Mill. All profits are applied to the restoration and maintenance of this historic site.

Source: Portage County Historical Society