From feed mill to craft mill This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Carolyn Van Loh
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THE LAND, OCTOBER 4, 2013
48
“Where Farm and Family Meet”
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destined for destruction a few ll roads lead to the miles north of Odin. small community of Odin, Minn., two weekShe bought the house, reloends in April-May and three cated it next to the mill and weekends in October. built a hallway to connect the two buildings. Later, a 1927 It began in 1999 when Gordon Van Tine barn comOdin’s 1923 feed mill closed. pleted the exhibit area. The owner said, “I’ll sell it to whoever treats me to dinner.” Nancy Olson All the buildings have original floors and woodwork, and most Nancy Olson responded, “Sold.” rooms in the house have original wallShe had been doing crafts for 20 paper. Customers concentrating on years and had dreamed of opening her own shop. Her husband, Kim, and the abundance of crafts can easily overlook the fact that they have other family members pitched in to walked from one building to another. transform the old mill into a craft The first year, 33 consignors from shop. five states exhibited. “I had hoped to From August 1999 to April 2000, get 35 to 40, just to get a feel for what Kim and family helpers hauled out 27 it would be like,” she said. Today, she flatbed loads of junk from the old mill. personally selects the 150-plus They also displaced rats, mice and exhibitors from six states. even a raccoon before the first craft A wall plaque in the mill proclaims: sale that April. “Volunteers are unpaid, not because The following year Nancy rescued a they are worthless, but because they 1917 Montgomery Wards farmhouse
are priceless.” The show’s growing popularity lies with 38 faithful volunteers. Olson said, “They are a blessing to me.” Volunteers labor with Olson for two weeks in the spring and three weeks in the fall setting up for a show. She also prepares the food. “I bake about 250 pies,” she said. Soup, sandwiches, pie and ice cream also draw visitors not interested in purchasing crafts. Husbands who might make a quick pass through the buildings will chat over coffee while their wives shop. Some customers come just for a delicious lunch in the unique setting. The craft mill has a mailing list of 6,500, and loyal customers come from a 120-mile radius each spring and fall. For more information, log on to www.odincraftmill.com. ❖
Odin Craft Mill, Odin, Minn.
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