On May 16th, 2010 at 4 A.M. The Homer Mill Haunted House, Restuarant, and Bar Caught fire and was reduced to a pile of rubble by morning.
The Homer Mill was owned and operated by our friend Lance Cuffle with his wife Sue, and a slew of dedicated employees that were more like family, than workers.
In 2008, Lance Cuffle convinced me to open our attraction " DarkSyde Acres " to the public, We Cross promoted with the Homer Mill for that first year seeing how we were only 15 minutes away from the Homer Mill.
Firefighters from 7 departments including our very own Litchfield FD were on hand to try and save the Homer Mill, Draining the Town of Homers water supply of 370,000 gallons,but it quickly turned into a defensive fire, trying to save the neighborhood homes, Burning embers flew as far as 9 blocks away from the mill.
The devasting fire at the Homer Mill is a terrible loss for everyone, Lance and Sue Cuffle provided entertainment and employment during a time that both are rare here in Michigan. The Homer Mill was a Historical landmark built in 1887 and operated as a grist mill until 1970, The Homer Mill was the focal point to the Town of Homer, situated next to a small roadside park along the Kalamazoo river.
Lance and Sue Cuffle purchased the Homer Mill in 2006 and turned it into something AMAZING! A seasonal Haunted House with a restuarant and bar, that provided
year round employment to locals. Alice cooper made a appearance there in 2006 for their grand opening and people still talk about it to this day.
Its doubtful in my mind that Lance will rebuild, but in a perfect world, the Homer Mill would still be 15 minutes away from Darksyde Acres and we would continue to cross promote with one another though-out the years. LOL How cool would it have been to be the grumpy old men of the haunt Industry.
Lance, Sue, Lisa, Nick, Buzz and everyone else at the Mill, our Thoughts and prayers are with you, I encourage everyone to think of The Mill in a positive light thru this Horrible event.
Please visit
http://www.thehomermill.com and sign their comment board and show your support.
Rob Johnson DarkSyde Acres Haunted House