When most of us think of a grain mill in Youngstown, we think of Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek MetroParks. But for much of the 19th century, the major grain mill was Baldwin’s Mill, at the foot of Oak Hill just south of the old Spring Common Bridge on the west bank of the Mahoning River.

The story of grain mills on this site goes all the way back to 1804, when James Hillman, who owned a 60 acre tract purchased from John Young on the west side of the river, sold an acre to Caleb Plum to erect a mill, the first in the village of Youngstown.

In 1858, Homer Baldwin built a mill near this site. Baldwin had experience with flour milling going back to 1840. The mill not only provided flour and grain for the community for several generations but rapidly grew so that its products were distributed throughout the United States. It was the first mill in the United States to replace the stone mill wheels, going back to the beginning of history, with rollers to grind wheat.

The quality of their flour won awards throughout their history. In 1876, Baldwin’s Mill won honors at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. In 1904, competing with grain mills throughout North and South America, Baldwin’s Mill won top honors for the finest barrel of flour in the Americas. In the 1890’s flour was $4 a barrel and the mill offered a 40 cent discount for those who paid cash. For a time, an old canal barge from the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal offered boat cruises starting at Baldwin’s Mill up the Mahoning River to Salt Springs Road.

Despite their reputation, the mill encountered legal troubles with the City of Youngstown when the city won a case challenging the dam Homer Baldwin had built to help power the grist mill. Baldwin counter-sued claiming damages from a diminished water supply that hampered mill operation.

In 1913, they faced a different sort of water problem–flooding. On March 23 to 26, 1913 it rained steadily with 7 to 9 inches falling, flooding low lying areas along the river including a good part of downtown Youngstown, the B & O Station, as well as the mill. This became known as the Great Flood of 1913, and spurred the city to take flood control measures to prevent future episodes.

Flooding at Baldwin’s Mill During the Flood of 1913. Public Domain

What finally ended the mill’s illustrious history was a fire on December 18, 1922. Twice, over the years, the building survived lightening strikes. That morning, during production, some grain dust spontaneously ignited. Aided by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly. Train traffic was stopped on the B & O line to run fire hoses across. The building was a total loss, amounting to $70,000, not only leveling a downtown landmark, but also ending a national business.

When we think of mills in Youngstown, we tend to think of iron and steel mills. But for 64 years Homer Baldwin’s Mill also made Youngstown famous for flour, due to his innovations and skill. Something to think about the next time you drive over the Spring Common Bridge.

To read other posts in the Growing Up in Working Class Youngstown series, just click “On Youngstown.” Enjoy!