The timeless beauty of Alley Spring

From the Daily American Republic archives Monday, July 14, 1997. A look back at a feature story on one of our area's natural treasures...Alley Spring. EMINENCE, Mo. — Alley Spring was never successful as a mill. Its success came first as a state park and now as a popular visitor spot in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. In the early 1900s Alley Spring was the center of a busy farming community that included a grist mill, blacksmith shop, general store and saw mill. Located on the north side of Jacks Fork River, Alley Spring had seven owners in 30 years before becoming a state park in 1924, according to ONSR historians. It was one of the first six state parks in Missouri. Those visiting Alley will find a spring with an average daily flow of 81 million gallons. The mill still contains some of the original or replica equipment used during its milling days. Alley Spring is six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106.