By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on Sept. 24, heard some good news about needed renovations at the Phelps Mill Store near the historic Phelps Mill in central Otter Tail County. Both structures are owned by the residents of Otter Tail County.

The Phelps Mill Store, used in previous years by visitors who purchased ice cream, pop, mill-related memorabilia and other items, is in dire need of repairs. 

“We have good plans in order to receive grants through the state of Minnesota, working in consultation with the state historical society,” said County Parks and Trails Director Kevin Fellbaum to county commissioners.

Once repairs are completed, county officials are confident that a renter will again operate the Phelps Mill Store and attract visitors. Repairs would not likely start until at least 2025.

The first step was to have architectural consultants verify existing conditions of the store, meet with the county building committee, provide information to the Minnesota State Historical Society and provide cost estimates for renovation.

The county has contracted with Widseth, Smith and Nolting of Alexandria.

“This project meets the objectives of what we want to do within parameters of the county parks and trails budget,” said County Commissioner Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls.

A working model inside Phelps Mill

County commissioners, also on Sept. 24, gave a verbal commitment to establish a working model of the operations of Phelps Mill inside the mill itself. This is a better and safer alternative than using existing equipment, somewhat limited, inside the mill that dates back to 1889.

This topic was brought up at a recent county board open house in Fergus Falls.

“A scaled down working model, inside the mill and protected by plexiglass, would show complete components on flour production in the early years of the 20th century,” said County Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids.

To that end, Johnson and the other four commissioners supported finding a consultant and/or preservationist to move the project forward. Also in play is assistance from the Otter Tail County Historical Society.

Commissioners, at the same time, are committed to preserving what remains of the equipment inside the mill that was used from 1889 to 1939.

At the height of the wheat grinding season, 25 to 35 wagons loaded with stacks of wheat would line up outside the mill. Nearby was a restaurant, general store and blacksmith shop.

In 1965 Otter Tail County purchased the mill and surrounding land as a recreational site. Phelps Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.