| The Village Of Spring Mills |
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The Crouse, Tremaine and Wilhelm pickle works in Highland Station - of which the cider and vinegar mill was a part - went through several changes of ownership after its founding in 1880. It was eventually purchased by the Wells-Stone Mercantile Company which operated it under the name of the Oakland Vinegar and Pickle Company. In June, 1896, however, the pickle works at Highland Station burned down and was not rebuilt. The cider and vinegar mill continued in operation until 1902, when its machinery was removed and shipped to Saginaw. The following year the buildings were purchased and dismantled by William Needham, who used the lumber to construct a barn. The site was eventually acquired by the Michigan Department of Conservation (now Department of Natural Resources) which maintains the dam and "Vinegar Mill Pond" on Pettibone Creek as part of Highland State Recreation Area.
