Prussian immigrant Michael Elowsky fled political turmoil brewing in Eastern Europe in 1862, settled in Detroit, was joined by his family, and migrated to Presque Isle County around 1870. Prior to 1885 he moved part of this structure from Trout River and eventually developed a complex of flour, shingle, siding, planing, and lath milling operations. Residents of Metz, Posen, and Krakow Townships brought grain and timber to the mill, which closed in October 1963.