Fall colors in Benzonia MI. Mills Community House with Crystal Lake in background.. Photo by Elija Fly Photography
About Us
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Mills Community House Association
891 Michigan Avenue, PO Box 421, Benzonia, MI 49616 231-882-0591 or millscommhouse@gmail.com Spring Hours Mondays 10-2 or by appointment The Mills Community House is located in the heart of Benzonia, on U.S.-31 and just up the hill from Crystal Lake and the village of Beulah. The distinctive red brick building, built in 1909 as a dormitory for Benzonia Academy, became the Mills Community House in 1925, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been used as a public venue throughout its history; a gymnasium, meeting location, site for educational and cultural programs, and home to the Benzonia Public Library.
The Mills House was deeded from the Congregational Church of Benzonia to the Mills Community House Association, a newly formed 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, in 2002. The board of directors is made up of community supporters who believe in the value of this historic landmark. Our mission is to provide stewardship and promotion of the historic Mills Community House as a venue for events and services that enrich lives. Several organizations have used the Mills Community House facility to present public programs, concerts, theater, lectures, and educational activities. The Benzonia Public Library has been the middle floor tenant of the building since 1925. They also regularly utilize the other levels for their book and puzzle sales, craft classes, author programs, and holiday party. 100+ Women Who Care-Benzie meets quarterly to determine which Benzie County non-profit will receive their support. The Benzie Area Historical Society regularly presents programs in the upper hall. The Benzie County Players, a community theater organization, has used this venue for many of their plays and theatrical readings. The Benzie County Community Chorus has also performed numerous summer concerts in this wonderful acoustic performance space. Is it any wonder why "Community" is our middle name?
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Our mission is to provide
stewardship and promotion of the historic Mills Community House as a venue for events and services that enrich lives. Mills Community House Association
Board of Directors volunteer their time to ensure the Mills continues to be a vibrant part of our community. Donna Brown, Ruth Catton, Jimmy McLaren, Jane Sullivan, Colleen Swartz, and Samantha Wolfe. Kristin Fleetwood, Executive Director Providing a venue for arts, cultural, and educational opportunities and experience in Benzie County, events and activities booked at the Mills help support and maintain this lovely historic structure. |