Lynnville Historical Society assumes ownership of Wagaman Mill bridge

Jasper County Conservation has relinquished ownership and responsibility of the pedestrian bridge at Wagaman Mill over to the Lynnville Historical Society.

The decision was made official when the county board of supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding between conservation and the historical society on March 24. The contract legally transfers ownership of the footbridge to the Lynnville Historical Society, who will be charged with maintaining it from now on.

Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation, said the bridge was built with grant funds about 50 years ago. Conservation collected the funds and built the bridge on Lynnville Historical Society property. The maintenance and lease agreements for the bridge have now expired, prompting the change.

“In talking with the Lynnville Historical Society, they would be willing to take over ownership and maintenance of the bridge,” Van Zante told supervisors. “So I worked with (the county attorney) to create a memorandum of understanding, kind of giving it to them or just saying we are not responsible for it anymore.”

Supervisor Brandon Talsma said it seemed like to him the Lynnville Historical Society is willing to take on the responsibility of the bridge, but for insurance and liability purposes they needed something in writing. The memorandum of understanding achieves just that, and supervisors unanimously approved it.

Wagaman Mill is also known as the Old Mill. It was constructed in 1848 and has been used as a saw mill, carding mill, flour mill, feed mill and as a generating station for electricity. While its past uses are out of commission, its interior has been restored to serve as a museum for public use in the summer.

Located near the mill is a shelter house, picnic area, portage path, restrooms, an interpretive exhibit and areas for fishing. The footbridge goes across the North Skunk River. Wagaman Mill is recognized as a historic site and is part of the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, according to MyCountyParks.com.