The few mills in existence in the area at that time were primarily for the use of individual families or single neighborhoods. Early settlers who left their grain to be ground at these mills often reclaimed it unground and ate it boiled throughout the winter. John Garrett's mill was different. It was destined to serve residents within a 20-mile radius, and it did. In 1805, a road was cut from Mantua to Garrettsville. In 1806, the Cleveland-Pittsburgh Road was cut near the mill. Hardy pioneers traveled these roads and paths through the forests from Nelson, Mantua, Hiram, Freedom and Windham to get their grain ground at Garrett's mill.

This History was written in 1988 - 1989.

The original mill at this site was constructed in 1804 by Col. John Garrett. The present mill building was constructed on Garrett's original foundation made of whole tree trunks. These tree trunks can still be seen in the basement level. John Vanderslice owned the mill in 1940 when the structure suffered severe damage from fire. Robert C. Hopkins acquired the mill in 1943. Ultimately, Mrs. Bruce Ginther, Hopkins' daughter, became owner of the mill. In 1972, The Tushar Family bought the mill. Brothers Phil and Mike and their father Charles embarked on the restoration of Hopkins Old Water Mill.

By 1977, Hopkins Old Water Mill had been placed into operation grinding corn, rye, buckwheat, producing pancake flour, yellow cornmeal and whole wheat flour. The Tushar's repaired the dam, restored the millrace and hired Loren Cameron and his sons, Ed and Wayne from Damascus, Ohio to build a 19' tall, 10' wide, wooden waterwheel. The Cameron's also assisted with the acquisition of a 3,000 pound set of French buhrstones.