Ayd Mill

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Ayd Mill
Neighborhood/s:	Merriam Park, St. Paul, MN, Minnesota
City/locality- State/province	St. Paul, MN, Minnesota
County- State/province:	Ramsey County, Minnesota
State/province:	Minnesota
Country:	United States
Year built:	1860
Year razed:	early 1890's
Historic Function:	Other
Historic Function:	Gristmill
Other Historic Function:	Gristmill
Current Function:	Other
Current Function:	Short Line
Other Current Function:	Short Line
Material of Exterior Wall Covering:	Stone
First Owner:	John Ayd

In 1860 John Ayd, a German immigrant, built a stone house and gristmill where Interstate 35E now crosses Jefferson Ave. To power his mill, Ayd dammed Cascade Creek, which flowed through a valley and then tumbled over a waterfall (near today's Bridge View School) before emptying into the Mississippi River. In 1879 the Milwaukee Road built its "Short Line" along the creek cutting off the mill's water supply. The mill was already a ruin by the time it was demolished in the early 1890's. Ayd's house at 987 Jefferson, stood until 1966, when it was razed for the interstate. Today, Ayd Mill Road follows the old valley of Cascade Creek, long since diverted underground. (Description from Architectural Guide to the Twin Cities.)

Contents 1 Memories and stories 2 Photo Gallery 3 Related Links 4 Notes

Memories and stories

Photo Gallery

Related Links

Ramsey County Historical Society - Merriam Park and Lexington Hamline

Notes