On Wednesday evening, August 14^th, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, Shay Gooder, of Bear Creek Archaeology, will present on Winneshiek County Mills at the German American Museum in St. Lucas.  Shay’s historic mill presentation will be followed by informal discussion along with refreshments, fruit and cookies.  WATCH THE RECORDED PRESENTATION HERE.

The Winneshiek County mill project (2022–2024) represents an “intensive” reconnaissance-level investigation merging archival research, Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, and non-invasive archeological survey techniques in the identification and evaluation of mill sites within the county.  The project was developed in coordination with the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission (WCHPC) based on a concern over the lack of information regarding these mill sites and their current status. 

Utilizing historic-age maps, newspaper archives, county histories, and previous survey work, a comprehensive dataset was generated of 71 unique locations pertaining to sawmills, grist mills, woolen mills, and other water-powered industries that once operated within Winneshiek County.  Where accessible, mill locations were subject to field investigations implementing visual assessments, digital photography, GPS-mapping, soil profiling, and landowner interviews. 

The result of this survey work was the documentation of a surprising amount of evidence pertaining to these mill sites despite a majority being abandoned for well over a century, with these survey results compiled in a detailed report entitled Winneshiek County Mills.  Shay’s presentation will cover the foundation for the project, the survey methodology employed, organization of the final report, interpretations of the archeological record associated with mill sites, and recommendations for future investigative work.

Since 2010, Shay Gooder has served as a Project Archeologist at Bear Creek Archeology, Inc. (BCA), of Cresco, Iowa, where he has specialized in GIS analysis, digital site mapping, geomorphic evaluation, faunal identification, and community outreach services.  While at BCA, Mr. Gooder has participated in numerous cultural resource surveys, site testing projects, and intensive data recovery efforts, in addition to authoring over 100 technical reports. 

Since 2012, BCA has partnered with the WCHPC in conducting countywide reconnaissance-level assessments of important historical resources.  Mr. Gooder has directed field investigations and completed GIS-intensive reports for these projects, which include rural schoolhouses, notable stone structures, and most recently, water-powered mills.  Currently, Mr. Gooder’s research is focused on abandoned townsites of Iowa, with active studies ongoing in Benton and Howard counties.

Watch the story of Black Hawk Bridge:  https://youtu.be/j0ppAxoIiCo?si=14a-m_unBAkvY6Cw