HistoryThe foundation of the Mills Community House began in 1858, when the Reverend Charles E. Bailey and four families from his Congregational parish in Oberlin, Ohio founded Benzonia. Modeled after earlier Congregational settlements, it was to be an “educational Christian colony” in what was then a remote wilderness.
Classes were held in a private home from 1860 until the buildings were constructed in 1863. Within five years, the initial 2-story frame building burned, and the school took over a three-story frame building, dubbing it "East Hall." This was the only building used by the college for a number of years, until the 1890s when a new building was constructed, and East Hall was turned into the girl's dormitory, dining room, and president's quarters. As an integral part of the new community, Grand Traverse College was chartered in 1863. Dedicated to educating both sexes, and people of all colors and ethnic origin, it provided college preparatory work and teacher training. Enrollment rose from 13 in the 1st graduating class to a peak of 150 in 1875. The school reorganized in 1891 as Benzonia College, supplying college level education, until 1900, when it became Benzonia Academy. Both the College and the Academy served as a center for cultural and recreational activities for citizens of the surrounding villages. Benzonia Academy provided an education deep in music and arts, for approximately $2.75 per week, including room and board. In 1906, George Catton became headmaster of Benzonia Academy and his family, including son Bruce (future alumnus of the Academy and Pulitzer-Prize winning historian), lived on the main floor of the women’s dormitory. Bruce later wrote Waiting for the Morning Train, a memoir of his life in Benzonia. In January 1909, East Hall was destroyed by fire; fortunately, there were no injuries. The Mills Cottage, a distinctive red brick building, was built as a replacement, re-opening in October, It was named for the Rev. Harlow S. Mills, who led the local Congregationalist congregation from 1896 to 1916 and made substantial contributions to the construction of the building in honor of his late wife. Changing conditions, including improved transportation and expanded availability of public schools, resulted in declining attendance. In 1918, Benzonia Academy closed with a graduating class of 10. For 55 years the college and academy had fulfilled the founder’s dream of bringing co-educational opportunities to northern Michigan. In 1925, the building was deeded to the Benzonia Congregational Church. Renovations were completed that included an auditorium on the upper level and a meeting space in the lower level. The library leased the middle floor and has continuously operated from this location for over 96 years. During the 1930s, the top floor was used as a gymnasium, theater, and dance floor for nearby Benzonia High School. When the high school built a gymnasium, as part of a WPA project, the community continued using the space for plays, parties, and meetings. During World War II, young women from southern Michigan arrived to work on nearby farms as part of the Women’s Land Army. The Mills House was, again, put into service as a dormitory for these temporary workers (who were assisting their country while male workers were serving in the Armed Forces). The Mills Community House is the only remaining building from the Benzonia Academy. Supporters successfully placed the Mills on the National Register of historic Places in 1972. Over the years, the building became dated; and, the top floor was closed due to safety concerns. The community continued to appreciate the building, especially the ongoing services of the Benzonia Public Library and the availability of meeting space. |
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A generous donation from Cecily Williams, in the 1990s, expanded the Mills House ability to serve as a community center. A full kitchen and new restrooms were added to the lower level meeting space, and the room was refurbished with new lighting and other amenities. Even though the third floor auditorium was not in use, Mrs. Williams’s foresight in having an elevator for all levels made it possible to reopen the top floor in 2008.
Exterior stairs, air-conditioning, and new furnishings were added, and the stage was rebuilt. In 2014 a new stair tower and spacious parking lot were added, improving access to the building. The library was also renovated in 2015. Hardwood floors were refinished and upgrades to heating, air conditioning, lighting, and painting were completed in 2018.
The Mills Community House Association (formed in 2002) is a 501c3 non-profit and receives NO taxpayer funding; operating costs are supported by a small endowment fund, modest rental rates, and tax deductible contributions from residents. In addition to private rentals for anniversaries, graduations, meetings, and weddings, the Mills Hall is has been home to a variety of events including performances by the Benzie County Community Chorus and the Benzie County Players, as well as the Benzie Area Museum Academy Lecture Series and a number of Author programs.
Looking forward---the Mills Community House Association hopes to raise sufficient funds for expansion on the southeast side of the building to include a stair case, rest rooms on the upper level, and additional space on other levels.
The Mills Community House is still a vibrant part of the community thanks to the vision of the founders and others who have helped to preserve this valuable piece of history.
Exterior stairs, air-conditioning, and new furnishings were added, and the stage was rebuilt. In 2014 a new stair tower and spacious parking lot were added, improving access to the building. The library was also renovated in 2015. Hardwood floors were refinished and upgrades to heating, air conditioning, lighting, and painting were completed in 2018.
The Mills Community House Association (formed in 2002) is a 501c3 non-profit and receives NO taxpayer funding; operating costs are supported by a small endowment fund, modest rental rates, and tax deductible contributions from residents. In addition to private rentals for anniversaries, graduations, meetings, and weddings, the Mills Hall is has been home to a variety of events including performances by the Benzie County Community Chorus and the Benzie County Players, as well as the Benzie Area Museum Academy Lecture Series and a number of Author programs.
Looking forward---the Mills Community House Association hopes to raise sufficient funds for expansion on the southeast side of the building to include a stair case, rest rooms on the upper level, and additional space on other levels.
The Mills Community House is still a vibrant part of the community thanks to the vision of the founders and others who have helped to preserve this valuable piece of history.