The Logging Industry has always been a large part of Michigan history, but logging and milling were also an important part of St.Clair County's agricultural heritage during the late 19th century and to a lesser degree in the 20th century.
The sawmill is operated daily for the public to see "how it was done" during the "Old Fashion Harvest Days"
It is also run as a means of generating funds for the museum's projects by doing what it was meant for; making boards.
The operation of the mill requires at least 4 or 5 men. The lead operator was called a "Sawyer". He was the boss of the crew. He controls the thickness of boards cut and the speed that they are fed through the blade by the carriage. The safe cutting of logs was held by his skills and decisions.
The mill is powered by a long flat belt running from the steam engine's pulley to the pulley of the mill's drive. |
