Built in 1894 by master millwright, Alva Hodgson, Hodgson Water Mill has been a long time focal point of Ozark County, Missouri for 130+ years. Alva bought the land in 1884 from his father-in-law, Manual Jackson Smith Sr. for $500. A mill already existed on the property called Holeman's Mill, that sat on the peninsula that sticks out into Bryant Creek. Holeman's Mill was eventually washed away in a flood and Alva needed a way to build a new mill so that it wouldn't wash away in the massive flood waters of Bryant Creek. So he decided to dig a cave into the rock and find a water source that he would eventually expand an opening around, build a mill race for, and build his new mill over, right up against the bluff line so that when the flood waters did come, the current would be still and would do no to little harm to Alva's new mill. When originally built, this mill was not only the place where locals could sell their corn and have it ground into flour for personal use, but it also served as the central hub of the old town of Sycamore, Missouri; hosting a post office, a general store, and eventually even a gas station. Alva would eventually sell Hodgson Mill to his brother George Hodgson and would go on to build nearby Dawt Mill as well. Both brothers would eventually pass away, Alva in 1921 and George in 1927, and Hodgson Mill would exchange hands many times over the years. One of the most prevalent owners would be the Aid family of West Plains, Missouri who owned the famous Aid Hardware building on the West Plains square. They would lease the mill to millwrights Fred Leech, Harold Stott, and Ken and Tenna Harrington. The Harrington's would eventually found Hodgson Mill Inc. in 1969 and would start a company that still produces quality baking products to this day. By 1973 the Harrington's were using 1 million pounds of wheat and corn per year to meet with consumer demand and by 1976 the decision was made to move production to a modern facility in nearby Gainesville, Missouri. The Mill was leased out my Herbert Smith (great nephew of Alva Hodgson) and Margaret Smith who ran a store, campground, and canoe rental there in the late 80s and early 90s. In 2001, Hank and Jean Macler bought the mill and raised money to restore the mill and registered Hodgson Water Mill in the National Register of Historic Places. Today she stands as a gentle reminder of times past, a tribute to the hard work of those who have come before us, and the hope that is to come. There's no telling what great adventure lies ahead in this old...
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