A pergola was built outside Brush Creek Mill by Hunter Linseman for an Eagle Scout Project.

HILLMAN — Brush Creek Mill has been a historical landmark in Hillman since 2006. Since opening, the mill has hosted different events and activities for people of all ages.

Brush Creek Mill is located at the connection of Brush Creek and the Thunder Bay River. The exterior of the mill represents the style of the 1800s while the interior features solar panels that produce electricity and an alternator powered by a water wheel.

The water wheel is 22 feet wide and was a big part of the original concept of the building. The wheel was built by Moran Iron Works of Onaway and is powered by water from Brush Creek to produce the energy to turn it.

The start of building the mill began in 2000 when a $90,000 grant was received from the USDA to pursue developing the mill, according to volunteer Tom Edison.

“That’s kind of how we got started because once we had that in our hands, we were legitimate,” Edison said. “We took that $90,000 and ran with it.”

In 2002, the mill received money from different donors to have around $200,000 for the construction of the mill. While receiving and raising money, engineering and design for the building was taking place. The building officially opened in 2006 after years of design and construction.

“It was a long, drawn out process,” Edison said.

Everything that takes place at the mill is done by volunteers. Volunteer Sue Flore said the historical society also helps at the mill and the Thunder Bay Arts Council displays art throughout the year for people to see.

“You have art, you have music, and you have writing here,” Edison said.

Flore said there are different events every month. Every third Friday of the month is Music at the Mill where area musicians entertain the public. Music at the Mill also is an open mic night.

There are events year round for people to attend. In the fall is the Applefest and Craft Show where apple dumplings are made and baked and people can come and eat. Flore said the event always is a huge success because people are always lining up for the apple dumplings.

For Christmas, there are different kids programs. One of the kids program is the annual Children’s Christmas Party where kids can meet Santa Claus, decorate cookies, and do arts and crafts.

“We take the pictures and the kids can go home with them,” Edison said. “That event is from the money we raised from Teeing Up for Kids.”

Teeing Up for Kids is an 18 hole scramble at Thunder Bay Resort and the money raised goes to the Christmas party and other kids programs. Edison said everyone who plays knows they’re raising money for the kids programs.

“We’ve raised about $38,000 for the kids programs in the last nine years,” Flore said.

There are different classes, including painting, basketry, photography, and computers that people can attend. The upstairs of the mill is where yoga classes take place. Every class is free.

“We like to include everyone,” Flore said. “We consider this the hub of Hillman.”

The River’s Edge Gift Shop features work from local artists, writers, and photographers. There are sweaters, books, CDs, jewelry, photographs, and many more.

Flore said the mill wouldn’t be able to hold all the events and classes without the volunteers that come and help. She said there’s an event or activity for everyone at the mill.

“We open the doors to any age group,” she said. “It’s a relaxing place for all ages. We keep trying to keep it fresh and on top of bringing new ideas, we always have the regular events.”