Friends of Nankin Mills logo

 

The Friends of Nankin Mills

Helping Ensure Nankin Mills Remains A Link To Our Past, A Resource For Our Future

 

 
We're on Facebook! Become a fan.


What is the Friends of Nankin Mills?
 
Where is Nankin Mills?
 
Cruisin' Hines
Learn all about the 2nd annual event planned for Aug. 26
 
The History of Nankin Mills
 
Early Tales of Nankin Mills
 
A look at Pioneer Life in Nankin Township
 
Nankin Mills Photos
 
Helpful Web Sites
 
Nankin Mills and The National Park Service
 
 Contact Us

 

Read our new publication, The Grindstone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nankin Mills is a Great Place to Visit. History, Science, Snakes, Fish, a HUGE Snapping Turtle Named Sue and More. Three Floors, NO Long Lines and Free Admission. Stop by and see what you think.

Nankin Mills in Westland, Michigan dates from 1842. Once a grist mill, it now serves as an interpretive center and tells the area's cultural and natural history. The building was once owned by Henry Ford who manufactured auto parts.  

The Friends of Nankin Mills has worked with Wayne County Parks since 1987, to preserve this historic mill and ensure it remains an important community resource.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center is open Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Contact them at (734) 261-1990.

Local History Seminars
 The Friends of Nankin Mills is trying something new this year--free local history seminars for adults that will take place at Nankin Mills. Seats are limited and reservations are suggested. Call the Mill at (734) 261-1990 to reserve a spot. Here are two upcoming seminars:

The Nankin Mills Story
Saturday, April 21, 2012, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Nankin Mills is more than just a mill: It was the focal point for a town that grew up around it and has served the community for well over 150 years. Take a photo history tour with Nankin Mills Naturalist Carol Clements and Friends of Nankin Mills member, Don Nicholson and learn more about this area.


Nankin Township During the Civil War (1861 – 1865)
Saturday, June 9, 2012, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Local historian and member of the Friends of Nankin Mills, Daryl Bailey, will share local Civil War history, including the firing on Fort Sumter, the formation of the Livonia/Nankin Home Guard, the creation of the Wayne County regiment (24th Michigan infantry) in 1862, recruiting drives in Wayne and Inkster, local soldiers, the impact of two organizations: the pro-Union Loyal League and the pro-Southern Copperheads and even a Nankin Ghost Story! It is sure to be an interesting afternoon!

 2012 Nature Programs
Nankin Mills offers a variety of programs for students and organized groups, Scout troops and home schoolers, as well as activities for families and individuals. Here are the latest fliers: 

 Questions: Contact Carol Clements at cclement@co.wayne.mi.us or call (734) 261-1850.

Nankin Mills part of National Parks Passport Program

Stop by the mill with your National Park passport and get it stamped. Nankin Mills is now one of 19 members of the Passport Program. Don't have a passport? No problem. A limited number are available for $8.95 each.

This spiral-bound booklet allows you to collect and store stamps available at National Parks and Heritage Areas throughout the United States. The National Passport Stamp Program was created in 1989. It is designed to serve as a log of the unique experiences that a visitor encounters as they visit national parks, landmarks and heritage areas across the country. More information on where to get your passport stamped.

 

Did you know that Nankin Mills...

  • Was once owned by Henry Ford?

  • Now tells the natural and cultural history of the area? Has a number of fish, reptiles and amphibians, including a large snapping turtle named Sue on display?

  • Provides a large number of interactive displays for kids? Hosts a variety of programs and events for individuals, families and groups year-around?

Nankin Mills Videos

The above video was produced by The Ford Motor Company for Wayne County Parks and provides information on history of the Rouge River and this mill. This video can be viewed in the lobby of the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center.

 



The above video called "The Story of the Little River" is from 1919  Unfortunately, there is no commentary with it other than the information below that was posted by The Henry Ford on YouTube:

Views of several of Henry Ford's Michigan-based Village Industries along the Rouge River. (The Village Industries concept allowed farmers to work in a small local factory most of the year and also care for their farms.) Opens with aerial view of the massive Ford Motor Company Rouge River Plant and scenes of streams flowing through pasture land, followed by a map showing the river and Village Industry plants in Nankin, Plymouth, Phoenix, Waterford, and Northville. Includes Nankin Mills tool and die employees; Plymouth employees with metal working machines; Phoenix employees, including many women, creating small parts; Waterford employees making and inspecting parts; and Northville employees making valves for Ford engines. Closes with views of the activities of a typical farm family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This 8-minute video was produced by a student at Madonna University three years ago. It tells the story of Nankin Mills and makes nice use of the displays.

 

 
Did you know that Nankin Mills...

  • Was once owned by Henry Ford?

  • Now tells the natural and cultural history of the area?

  • Has a number of fish, reptiles and amphibians, including a large snapping turtle named Sue on display?

  • Provides a large number of interactive displays for kids?

  • Hosts a variety of programs and events for individuals, families
    and groups year-around?

 

 
 

If you have any questions about about our group or the history of the mill, please contact us at Friends@nankinmills.org. If you wish to reserve a picnic area or have a question concerning one of the Parks Department's activities or events, please call (734) 261-1990.


Click photos for larger view. Each photo shows two cards.

 The Friends of Nankin Mills has boxed sets of note cards available with photos of Nankin Mills taken around 1918, when Henry Ford purchased the mill. Each box contains eight cards (four views) and nine envelopes. Inside of the cards is blank.

Cost is $8.00, including postage. All proceeds benefit the mill. Please make checks payable to Friends of Nankin Mills and send to: Friends of Nankin Mills,
c/o Nankin Mills Interpretive Center,
33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185
 

Copyright 2012 Friends of Nankin Mills
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hit Counter