Ayd Mill
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Ayd Mill | |
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| Neighborhood/s: | Merriam Park, St. Paul, MN, Minnesota |
| City/locality- State/province |
St. Paul, MN, Minnesota |
| County- State/province: |
Ramsey County, Minnesota |
| State/province: | Minnesota |
| Country: | United States |
| Year built: | 1860 |
| Year razed: | early 1890's |
| Historic Function: | Other |
| Historic Function: | Gristmill |
| Other Historic Function: | Gristmill |
| Current Function: | Other |
| Current Function: | Short Line |
| Other Current Function: | Short Line |
| Material of Exterior Wall Covering: | Stone |
| First Owner: | John Ayd |
In 1860 John Ayd, a German immigrant, built a stone house and gristmill where Interstate 35E now crosses Jefferson Ave. To power his mill, Ayd dammed Cascade Creek, which flowed through a valley and then tumbled over a waterfall (near today's Bridge View School) before emptying into the Mississippi River. In 1879 the Milwaukee Road built its "Short Line" along the creek cutting off the mill's water supply. The mill was already a ruin by the time it was demolished in the early 1890's. Ayd's house at 987 Jefferson, stood until 1966, when it was razed for the interstate. Today, Ayd Mill Road follows the old valley of Cascade Creek, long since diverted underground. (Description from Architectural Guide to the Twin Cities.)
Memories and stories
Photo Gallery
Related Links
Ramsey County Historical Society - Merriam Park and Lexington Hamline
