Perhaps there isn’t too much general interest connected with an elevator or feed mill but they are very much depended on. While doing research for one of the books, I came across a very interesting photograph, that made me want to know more about what was going on in that image that was capturing a moment from a long ago time.
The Washington Elevator site and the town of Washington was a big place in those days, for many a year’s income depended on the produce the average farmer sold at what was termed the ‘Washington Market’. It was long remembered when teams of horses with loaded wagons in line, from where the school once stood on Van Dyke Rd up West Rd to where the elevator now to this day still stands.
Over the years the elevator would see many changes, where by 1950, a wooden addition, would be added to the original long standing structure. A write up in the Romeo Observer Press on March 12, 1953, states, “The new fire resistant Washington Elevator that had been risen literally from the ashes of the old wooden building that was destroyed in a hundred thousand dollar fire last September, should be completed by the middle of April. It would become one of the most modern elevators in the area”. In late September of 1952, fire did consume the building and it took the Romeo Fire Department, 16 hours to keep the flames from furthering into town. Neighbors were seen standing on rooftops watering down the shingles to ward off sparks, while others set up chairs near by to watch the firemen while enjoying the goings on in comfort. The 70 foot granary was destroyed by the flash fire, which incased the five-year-old recently added wooden structure. The fire would be from undetermined origin. This would give rise to the township realizing that Washington would need to move forward with an independent fire department of it’s own.
By April 22 of 1954, once again the Washington Elevator would hold their “Old McDonald’s Farm”, where many area youngsters attended a give-away of some 2000 baby chicks to the young potential farmers.
The Washington Elevator would occupy an important place in the area for farmers getting their produce to markets, both near and far. Today the elevator still serves the communities surrounding Washington both for farmers and homeowners and is still a valued part of the community.
On that ‘wee note’ till next week.
Articles and images, with thanks to Cheri Allen, at the Washington Area Historical Society and the Community Archives at the Kezar Library in Romeo home for the Romeo Observers of past.
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Linda Osborne Cynowa 