The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-09
M GLENs.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal. 4
BLOOMINGDALE, Ind. Aug. S.-visitor9@
to Bloomingdale Glens who to-day boat and
fish on placid Sugar creek little suspect
the important part which this stream '
played in the industries of pioneer times
A mile east of the glens is the site Of one
of the earliest as well as one of the best
grist mills in this part of the State 1t was
known as Lusk's mill and was built by
Salmon Rusk, father of the present owner
of this popular resort. On the hill over
looking the picturesque old bridge and the
wonderful rock channel of the narrows OF
Sugar creek. where the old mills located.
still stands the Lusk homestead. The
story of the Lusk mill begins early IN the
nineteenth century. It's builder, Salmon
Lusk, was one Of. the very first settlers
in this region. In 1916 he came from New
York, where he had been employed for
two years after leaving his home In YER
mont, TO Fort Harrison, Ind, with a conn
pany of emigrants and remained at the
fort for a time. Being attracted by mill
tary life, he served as a soldier for a few
months. With others, young I.usk moved
up the Wabash looking for a location. He
assisted in building a grist mill. the earliest
in all this region, on Sugar creek, a short
distance above it's mouth. Mr.. Beard. the
owner of this mill. had previously estab-
lished and for several years successfully
operated a grist mill near Terre Hautes
but the supply of water failing. a better
location was sought. After remaining at
Boards mill for a few years. salmon
Lusk bought a large tract of government
land about what Is now known as the mar
rows OF Sugar creek, and finding an ex-
cellent natural location for such an un-
dertaking. established there a grist mill
in the early twenties A large log house
was put up. which for some years served
the double duty of dwelling and store. for
this place became a depot for exchange
Of goods.
AS the number OF settlers Increased. trade
grew. Many fiatDoats were built and
operated on Sugar creek, carrying produce
to Southern markets An unusually strong
spring OF crystal water on Mr.. Lusk's land
gave the postofics its name. that Of Lusk's
Springs
The tract of ground. which includes Tur.
not in Mr.. Lusk's first purchase OF land
Another man planned TO set up a mill on
Sugar creek somewhere near Turkey run.
Had this been done much Injury, both Al
10 water power and trade would nave re-
suited to the Lusk mill. So. 20 keep out
bought the land and added turkey run 10
his already large possessions At one time
he owned about five thousand acres along
Sugar creek.
In the late fo-ties the greatest food ever
known in this region occurred, and the
Lusk mill at the narrows was swept away.
Ii was never rebuilt. though a few Of the
timbers remained for years 10 mark the
location of the industry More than half
a century ago the fine brick house. pala-
tal for that time, was built. The present
owner was then a mere lad, and assisted in
planting tress and otherwise beautifyinE
the grounds. AT that time the family con-
sisted of father. mother and I'VE children.
but now the only occupant of the old fam
fly mansion Is the only surviving son, John
Lusk: one sister lives In a distant home
In the neglected dooryard one sees evidence
of the former beauty of the place In the
trees and old-fashioned lowers-lilacs, hol-
lyhocks and other hardy plants which have
survived the years.
CAMPERS y VISITORS.
A party of young people from Marshall
attended the campfire one evening during
the week.
Henry Daniels. OF Rockville. enjoyed IN
outing here last week.
Mr.. and Mrs. John stss.. Of Indianapolis