As part of my “Missouri Grist Mills & Covered Bridges: A Collodion Chronicle” project, I visit and scout each grist mill, possibly several times, before photographing it using the wet plate collodion process.
I primarily work on this project from late April through October, when the weather is good, and then switch to my Pictorial Whispers Memorial still life project in the winter.
I am embarking on an artistic journey to document Missouri’s last remaining historic grist mills and the four remaining covered bridges before they disappear.
I made several collodion plates about 15 years ago in 4×5 format, so I am excited to formally pursue this as a serious preservation project in 5×7 format. The first plate on the left of Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is very special to me because Abby with me this day. She wanted to come along and help and learn about the wet plate process. I enjoyed the day with her and I had no idea at that time that she wouldn’t be here now to help me with this current project. I replay our time together that day many times in my mind. I can see her sweet little face smiling when she saw the first plate reveal itself in the fixer.
I am working with the Missouri Historical Society to confirm the number of grist mills in the historic register. Based on my research, I speculate the number is between 25 and 30.
Utilizing the historic wet plate collodion technique, prominent from the 1850s through the 1880s, this project aims to mirror the period when these mills and covered bridges were being constructed and thriving as community and industrial hubs. Through my lens, I strive to capture the enduring spirit and rich heritage of these iconic structures, preserving a pivotal chapter in Missouri’s history through a method that, like the covered bridges and mills themselves, requires meticulous handcrafting and a deep understanding of chemistry and traditional analog techniques.
Once I create several plates to demonstrate the value and direction of this project, I plan to partner with the Missouri Historical Society, The State Historical Society of Missouri, and the Harlin Museum to ensure the preservation of this work for future generations.
If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.
Scouting Trip Field Notes
It doesn’t matter that the lighting was harsh and terrible during my scouting trip because this trip aims to help me identify the desired perspectives and focal lengths before arriving on site and making new plates.
I will be making several trips to the mill, creating a few plates during each visit in order to create a variety to select from during the curation process in the future.
It takes a lot of time and effort to transport a mobile darkroom to the site and make several plates. This is all part of the process, and if it were fast and easy, a lot more photographers would be working with the wet plate collodion process.
As you can see from this first composition, 150mm in the 5×7 format isn’t quite enough for the horizontal, but it may be a good choice for the vertical. This is good to know, and if I choose to pursue a composition from this perspective, I will have a good idea of what focal length I want to use.
In this next composition, I decided to explore a unique perspective that is rarely seen. As shown in the first image, the vast majority of photos of Hodgson Mill include the picturesque waterfall. I will most likely create at least one vertical or horizontal plate that includes the waterfall, but I will include additional perspectives like the one shown below.
This next composition is rarely seen, but I like it. As you can see in the photo, a tree just fell, and I hope it will be removed before I show up on site.
I will be posting new videos of my field work as I visit each mill and create new plates.
If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.
The Historical Tapestry of Missouri: Grist Mills, Covered Bridges, and the Wet Plate Collodion Process
Missouri’s journey from a burgeoning territory to a state entwined with the Industrial Revolution and the evolution of photographic technology paints a vivid picture of progress and preservation.
Early Statehood and the Rise of Grist Mills
Missouri’s statehood in 1821 marked the beginning of significant economic and social development in the region. Amidst growing settlements, covered bridges and grist mills emerged as community cornerstones, vital for transportation and grinding grain into flour, which was essential for daily sustenance and also as a trade commodity. The establishment of these covered bridges and mills was not just about transportation and food production; they were integral to the agricultural economy, fostering community growth and stability across the state.
Throughout the 19th century, as settlers moved westward, the demand for bridges and mills grew, leading to a boom in construction. These bridges and mills were often built along Missouri’s abundant rivers and streams, harnessing water power for mechanical advantage and providing necessary access to key areas. By mid-century, Missouri was well-dotted with these indispensable structures, some of which still stand today as historical sites.
Technological Advancement: The Wet Plate Collodion Era
Frederick Scott Archer introduced the wet plate collodion process in the 1850s when many of Missouri’s covered bridges and mills were already operational, and some were still being built. This photographic technique, involving a glass or metal plate coated with a collodion solution to capture images, became immensely popular due to its ability to produce detailed and relatively quick results compared to earlier methods.
The wet plate era, spanning from the 1850s to the 1880s, aligned with a significant phase of Missouri’s industrial growth. Photographers equipped with this new technology could capture the bustling activities and architectural majesty of the covered bridges and grist mills, which by then were integral to Missouri’s landscape. The state’s rich streams and rivers powered the mills and the covered bridges also facilitated the transport of grain and flour, amplifying the agricultural economy. Covered bridges and grist mills were important and pivotal in the evolution of people and Missouri’s rich history.
Legacy and Preservation
Today, Missouri’s surviving covered bridges and grist mills serve as a portal to the past, offering insights into the state’s industrial heritage and the communities they supported. The wet plate collodion process, now revered for its historical significance and the unique aesthetic it offers, is an ideal medium for documenting these bridges and mills. Through this method, each image connects the present to an era when these bridges and mills were a lifeline to Missouri’s settlers.
In the Missouri Mills & Covered Bridges: A Collodion Chronicle project, I aim to capture and preserve the spirit and legacy of Missouri’s remaining covered bridges and grist mills through a photographic process that is part of the same bygone era. This endeavor highlights these bridges and mills’ architectural and historical significance and underscores the importance of preserving and appreciating Missouri’s rich history.
As I continue to explore and document these historic structures, they remind us of the ingenuity and perseverance of past generations and the enduring relevance of Missouri’s industrial roots in shaping the state’s identity.