The mill had a small capacity even by 1936 standards. Ford ran the mill at Alberta until the early 1950's. At that time it was determined there was no longer a timber supply or the need for Ford to maintain the facility. In 1954, Alberta was officially handed over to the Michigan College of Mining and Technology to be operated by the Department of Forestry. Recently the mill was made operational and a video was taken.
Work is now underway to provide a museum for public viewing.