The first grist mill in Wakeman Village was built by Burton Canfield in 1824 on the east side of the Vermilion River. In 1901, a mysterious fire destroyed the mill. The mill stone was retrieved by Platt Beecher and was displayed in the front yard of his home on Route 60 for many years. Glenn Gibson donated the stone to the Village in memory of his aunt and uncle, Nina and Platt Beecher.