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Schoen receives state award for Motor Mill work
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In May, Chris Schoen was honored with the Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation Award. He is pictured with State Historical Society of Iowa Administrator Valerie Van Kooten. (Photo submitted)

By Laura Elsinger

A small group of Iowans gathered on May 28, at the State Historical Society in Des Moines. What brought them together was their mutual passion for and commitment to Iowa history. Motor Mill Foundation board member and vice president Chris Schoen, along with his wife, Laura Elsinger, were among them. The exemplary achievements of nine people were recognized that day at the annual Excellence in History Awards. Chris was honored with the Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation Award.

Chris built a career as a professional archaeologist, having made significant contributions to the academic knowledge of the historic and prehistoric past through much of the United States. Now in retirement, he continues to apply his craft at the local level. In 2020, he directed the excavation of flood water sediments from the basement of Motor Mill, recovering two of the wooden turbines that had translated the power of the river to the machinery of the grist mill operation from 1870 to 1883, when the milling operation ceased.

The report came together through the winter of 2024/2025 and was submitted to the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office, Community Programs Bureau of the State Historic Society of Iowa. A copy is also held by the Clayton County Conservation Board at Osborne Center. The report, entitled “Removal of Alluvial Sediments from the Basement of the Motor Mill, Clayton County, Iowa,” prepared by Christopher M. Schoen with contributions by Laura J. Elsinger, was more ambitious than simply documenting the excavation. It also aimed to compile the broader story of Motor Mill and the historic town of Motor as well. Chris’s report was considered so exemplary by the review office that he was nominated for this year’s award.

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In 2020, Chris Schoen directed the excavation of flood water sediments from the basement of Motor Mill, recovering two of the wooden turbines that translated the power of the river to the machinery of the grist mill operation. He later documented the process in a report. (Photo submitted)

If you are not familiar with Motor Mill, consider visiting this jewel of the Clayton County park system. The park offers a richness of experience for the whole family beyond the commanding historic mill, including river recreation and acres of upland trails for hiking and horseback riding through quality natural areas. The recently restored inn is available as rentable lodging, accommodating up to 12 guests. The story of Motor Mill is a rich tale of the past, but it also continues to expand as today’s county employees, board members and other volunteers make their contributions to this very special place.