Bringing down a landmark

The east end of Laurel’s downtown landscape changed Saturday as one of the oldest structures in town was taken down. The Laurel Fire Department, along with fire departments from Concord, Belden and Dixon, participated in the practice burn. (left) Laurel firemen Drew Gothier, Justin Hoeppner and Tyler Specht kept a close eye on the structure as flames shot out of the roof. The Laurel Mill, built in the summer of 1894, would many years later come to be known as Holmquist Grain and Lumber. Through the years, those that managed the mill were Art Chederquist and Wayne Roland, with Bill Harrington being the last. One Laurel resident, Borge Kastrup, worked at the business from 1954-1958. He recalled many memories as he watched the building come down Saturday morning. One in particular was going to the very top of the building to sweep the corn dust in a pile. When completed, he would open the back window and sweep it out the window onto the passing train. He also recalled the business selling corn, oats and coal. For corn they worked on a three cent margin, oats a five cent margin. Rich Erwin bought the elevator in the mid 90s. He said he has no plans at this time for the lot.