Historic Bears Mill… Yes! We’re open for business!

The Arcanum-Bears Mill Road closing at the bridge at Bears Mill has caused a slow-down in traffic… but the historic mill is still open for business and has great “buys” for the interested consumer, along with exhibits from three talented artists.

Bridge work is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will likely continue until sometime in June. Traffic on Arcanum-Bears Mill Road can resume after 3 p.m. daily, as well as all weekend.

The suggested route during work hours is to turn north on Arcanum-Bears Mill from State Route 571 (east or west). The mill is approximately two miles north of the turnoff.

On display through May 22 are the creations of three local artists:

Micheline Daeman (paintings): “Using water colors and oil, I share with viewers the memories of the earlier homes that I have had, and of the many countries that I have had the privilege to visit.”

Bill Hunt (pottery): “After 8 months and 19,000 miles of travel looking for art and inspiration around the United States, my work is in an exciting state of transition; I produce decorative forms but always with a functional purpose.”

Liz Hunt (rustic furniture): “This is my 25th year of making rustic furniture and, although almost always functional, my pieces have progressed from the traditional to more contemporary, sculptural ones.”

Also, some new copies of retired Advocate editor Bob Robinson’s book “God Don’t Make Junk” are available for purchase. Portions of the proceeds help the “Friends of Bears Mill” and the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund for teens going into higher education in a communications-related field.

The mill is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11-5; Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5.
While SR 571 is the recommended route during closure hours, Bears Mill has offered suggestions “for the more adventurous.”

“They are a bit winding but pretty. West of Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road is Willis Rd. Go south and keep making left turns until you come to Bear’s Mill! East of Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road is Mill Rd. (another mill sat on this road at one time) Go south and keep making right turns until you get to Bear’s Mill.

“(A) little warning about Mill Rd: After you go over the bridge to the top of the hill to make a right hand turn, stay way over to right to avoid bottoming out!”

Bears Mill’s website… http://bearsmill.com