Preserving Saline’s Historic Legacy: Why the Saline Dam Matters

When I read the recent post, Why Do We Need a Dam Anyway?, I realized that many Saline residents and city planners may not fully appreciate the historic significance of the west side of Saline, encompassing the Saline Dam and the former Henry Ford Soybean Refinery, now known as Wellers.

Imagine the excitement when Henry Ford, a visionary industrialist, arrived in the small rural village of Saline to restore what was then a dilapidated flour mill. At the time, many thought Ford had lost his mind. But like all great entrepreneurs, Ford had a vision: to merge urban manufacturing with rural farming through the biodynamic use of the soybean.

Ford’s innovative idea transformed the local economy. Over 700 farmers in the Saline area grew soybeans during the summer and worked in Ford’s factory during the winter. These farmers brought their crops to Saline, where the soybeans were refined into oil used for producing plastics and paints essential for automobile manufacturing and parts production during World War II. This model not only revolutionized farming and industry but also demonstrated the power of sustainable, locally integrated production.

Ford chose Saline for its strategic location on the river. To support his factory, he constructed the Saline Dam in 1929, creating a millpond to generate electricity. The waterwheel and dam—a testament to Ford’s ingenuity—remain marvels of engineering and symbols of his forward-thinking approach. Across the industrial world, Ford is celebrated for pioneering the use of organic materials in industry.

Yet today, many residents and young people in Saline are unaware of this rich history, partly because the city itself does not formally recognize the significance of the dam and the Ford property. A quick look at the city’s list of historic places reveals the absence of Wellers and the dam—a glaring oversight for landmarks that shaped the community.

Moreover, a city-commissioned study about the dam’s future failed to include Wellers, despite the property’s infrastructure being directly tied to the dam. This omission feels like a disregard for the decades of effort poured into preserving Wellers, a business that has become a cornerstone of Saline’s identity. Each year, Wellers draws hundreds of visitors from across the country, supporting local businesses and enhancing the city’s reputation.

Saline now faces a critical moment. The city’s growing focus on maximizing tax revenue and pursuing grant money risks prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term community values. This approach threatens to erode Saline’s character, potentially driving out long-time residents and discouraging small business startups. Developers with no ties to Saline may benefit at the expense of the city’s soul.

Wellers invites all residents to an Open House every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come and experience firsthand why so many people from outside Saline cherish this historic landmark. Together, we can honor Saline’s past while preserving its future for generations to come.