Future of the Old Dowlin Mill in Ruidoso could be as bright as its past

• More options may exist for the mill now than before the fire, cultural properties member says

The owners of the Old Dowlin Mill intend to rebuild the portion of the structure on Sudderth Drive destroyed by fire in December 2017.

During a 150-year celebration Saturday, Michael Clements told supporters about plans for the historic building, often called the birthplace of Ruidoso Within two weeks, they should see clean-up operations begin at the site, he said. When finished, only the adobe walls will remain, along with the grist mill water wheel that survived the blaze. The plaster will be stripped from the walls.

“There will be quite a difference in appearance in 10-days to two weeks," he said. When rebuilt, the structure will meet all construction codes.

Referring to himself jokingly as the mill’s janitor, the physician said, “I think we are going to be able to do something with it. I’m not quite sure what. We had insurance and we haven’t met with the utilities yet. We’ll see what sort of attitude they have toward it. I think we’re going to have the funds to get this done.” Initial reports connected the fire to utility work in the area.

What will be important is community awareness and backing, he said.

“We’d like to get it back together better than it was,” he said, as a source of community pride.

Reginald Richey, a member of cultural properties review committee, said that entity recommended the placement of the mill on the New Mexico Registry of Cultural Properties, and then to the federal historic registry. Richey has served on the Lincoln Historical Preservation Board, is an architect and has practiced on the East Coast, Colorado and New Mexico, his home stated where he returned 20 years ago.

New Mexico is unique because of the abundance of anthropological, archaeological and cultural sites within its borders telling the stories of its history, he said. The village of Ruidoso has a stake in the mill and argued for its nominations to the historic registries, he said. “It is a big honor and the only place in Ruidoso that qualified,” he said. Placement also opens up the possibility of help in rehabilitation, planning grants and compliance with life-safety codes, specifically mentioned is damage from fire.

That help does not obligate private owners or require future public access, he said. Being architectural significant, telling a story about the community, its citizens, the economy or its founding are important consideration.

“Another misconception is if something is damaged, it has to be put back as it was,” he said. “Then it would be a replica. You need a good architect, planning and manager. The old mill probably has more potential now than before.”

Delana Phillips Clements, the daughter of Carmon and Leona Mae Phillips, who operated a gift shop in the old mill while she was growing up, welcomed a crowd of long-time supporters of the mill to the celebration. For the program, she invited descendants of the original owners and the Wingfield family, who chose Ruidoso as their home and dedicated their lives to seeing it grow into a respite for those fleeing hot desert and plains temperatures.

“It means a lot to have these three families together on this occasion,” she said. Her mother grew up in Ruidoso, attending a one-room school house., living in a cabin with her family that owned a variety store.

“I’m a third-generation Ruidoso kid,” she said. Her parents decided to buy the lot with the mill and what is now a car rental business. They watched carpenters build houses, then built their own with photography studio in front and dark room. When they knew Delana was non the way, they cleaned out the old mill, restored the grill grinder and wheel, and turned the structure into a gift shop for 55 years.

The gift shop was closed in 2005, and the mill became a staging area for theater, art exhibits. dances, photography shows and church services. She was proud to provide the spec for the community events, she said.

“We’re in the process of trying to figure out where we are now,” she said. “I encourage you to talk to friends and associates about saving this history, and spread the word. We need your help.”

Ken Dowlin spoke about his family’s history with the old mill, referring people to his book "Noisy River: The Saga of Captain Paul Dowlin," available on Amazon.

 “When Delana told us she was planning an event for 150 years at the mill, we said, ‘We’ll be here.’ But we were crushed, as was Delana, when she told us of the explosion,” Dowlin said. “I wondered should we be celebrating or holding a wake. But I think it is good that we have gone ahead and let people, friends and supporters, come and start thinking about what‘s next, because that will be the challenge. What can we recreate. I know Delana and Michael are working on that a lot.”

Bill Morrison, a Wingfield descendant, historical contributor to the Ruidoso News and author, detailed his family’s history before coming to the village and after deciding to settle in Ruidoso, as well as a few encounters with Carmon Phillips at the mill. He noted that Ike Wingfield was dedicated to community and donated 10 acres for a camp for children to enjoy cool summers in the tall pines, he said.

“That’s how Ruidoso was born, to get out of the heat,” he said. “That’s what this town is all about.”

It brings great joy to his family, which includes his sister Susan Lutterman, formerly Ruidoso School Board president and recently selected to serve on the Ruidoso Village Council. She will take her oath of office Wednesday.

“This will be rebuilt as a reminder of the people who came here,” Morrison said. “I feel it in my heart.”

Delana Clements acknowledged the brave firefighters and others who tried to save the mill the day of the fire, thanked members of the foundation formed to preserve the mill, the carpenter who keeps the water wheel turning and others who have dedicated time and resources to the historic property,