Unlike a metropolitan area, Richfield has a rural feel and for me I see farmlands, rural residential subdivisions, lakes, schools, limited businesses and great parks. One of those parks is the Richfield Historical Park and within that park sits the Messer Mayer Grist Mill and house.
The mill constructed in 1871 operated until the mid 1950’s. In 1997, the Town of Richfield purchased the property, buildings and created the park. Their intention was to preserve one of Richfield’s great heritage images. While members of the Richfield Historical Society restored the outside of the mill, over time it became apparent the Messer Mayer Grist Mill’s foundation needed restoration.
On October 13, 2006 the Messer/Mayer Mill and House Site was placed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 30, 2007. These historic buildings became a Washington County Landmark on June 27, 2009.
A Capital Campaign Committee was organized in 2011 with the kick-off at the September 2011 Theresheree. As of today, the committee has raised over $400,000 and additional funds are needed to complete the restoration project.
The best way for you to know more about the mill is to visit the park during one of the upcoming events in 2013. You will have a chance to meet your neighbors whose hard work has made the preservation of Richfield history possible.
I hope you will seriously consider a donation to the society so this great image of Richfield will be preserved.

2013_rhs_letter_to_richfield_residents.pdf |

2013_messer_mayer_mill_brochure.pdf |

2013_rhs_events.pdf |

2013_gift_pledge_card.pdf |