Demolition takes place on flood-affected properties in La Valle
This drone photo shows demolition taking place along Main Street in La Valle. Flood-damaged properties have been coming down in the community. The last major flood occurred in 2018. (Photo by Bill Schuette)
Many of the buildings along the river in La Valle have been coming down over the past few weeks.
One of the recent ones was the old feed mill. The original mill was built in 1849 and for a while served as a sawmill and flour mill. Later the mill was converted for grinding corn into animal feed. The mill ceased operation in 1999 when the dam was removed as part of an effort to return the Baraboo River into a free-flowing river, and the building was then repurposed as an antique shop. The mill suffered its first flood in 1898 and then fell to fire in 1937. The community rallied to rebuild the mill each time. Yet, after two significant floods (2008, 2018), which inundated the downtown streets of the village, federal and state agencies determined that several buildings should be demolished, including the old mill.
Holtz Lime & Gravel is in charge of the deconstruction. Some of the lumber is being salvaged and repurposed. Metal siding and roofing is being recycled. When the work is completed, the corridor along the river will be seeded. Plans call for the possibility of a kayak launch and picnic area.
To view historic photos of La Valle, go to https://saukcountyhistory.org/lavalle-photos.
Bill Schuette is a Reedsburg resident and local historian.
