Don, Schmidt, owner/operator of the
Red Mill, in Little Hope (near Waupaca),
Wisconsin, kindly gave me an article
written by Diane and Scott Schneider,
who were married at the Red Mill
in the tiny chapel. The following
are excerpts from that article:
“Off the beaten path and just 3 miles
south of Waupaca, the Red Mill is
located at N2190 County Hwy. K,
Waupaca, WI. The Red Mill was
originally operated as a grist mill,
grinding all kinds of flour and corn
until 1959. When its grinding days
ceased, the Schmidt family purchased
it and started renovating the mill and
capturing the beauty and solitude of
this very special bend in the river.
The wooden waterwheel was built in
1963, replacing the original metal turbine.
It is a replica of the waterwheel at the
Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, Indiana.
“Inside the Red Mill is a very quaint gift
shop with four comfy chairs seated by
the huge picture windows that overlook
the Crystal River. It is no coincidence
that all birds are welcome guests just
outside the window. And, the Red Mill
has always been home to a ‘mane’ attraction.
If you look closely in the antique child’s
bed, you can spy the Red Mill cat snuggled
in with the stuffed animals. The gift shop
is also home to a rare antique ‘reproducing
piano’ and a ‘piano-organ.’ At a
customer’s request, Mr. Schmidt happily
sets them to beautiful, long ago music.
With the relaxing music playing in the
background, when you have finally
made your way through the two stories
of the mill gift shop, the result is a calm
serenity. Just the relief we all need from
the hectic lives we lead.
“The covered bridge was made from
Oregon Douglis fir in 1970 and along
with the church, was constructed by
master craftsmen, Sterling Schrock
and Ken Schroeder. There are over
400 wooden pegs holding the 40 foot
structure together above the river.
Although it is a relatively new covered
bridge, it is built with so much authenticity,
you cannot help but feel it would be
easy to step back in time while crossing over it.
“With every season, the Red Mill takes
on a new beauty. In the spring, the
Hopa crab apple trees perfume the
flower-lined paths. Of course, in the
summer the Crystal River invites the
tubers, canoers, and fishermen to her
cool, shining waters. With the crisp
evenings of fall, the maples along the
river take on a special glow.
At Christmas time, friends decorate
the bridge, church, gift shop, and
waterwheel in gold lights and the trees
in rainbow colors! Quite a sight to
honor the King!
“Inside the wonderful, tiny church,
which was built in 1974, are six
wooden 100 year-old pews, an
antique pump organ, oil and candle
lamps; very simple, quaint and quiet.
But, what you see when you enter
the church is the wonderful
cross-shaped window behind the pulpit.
With the light shining through, along
with the stained glass side windows,
it is as if it was Easter there every day.”
And, remember, folks, there’s
NO ADMISSION FEE to use the grounds
at the Red Mill. Wander them at your
leisure, picnic on the grounds,
fish or wade in the stream, and
shop for antiques, for as long as you like!
