The Concordia Mills, owned by H. Lanoue, G. R. Letourneau, A. Berard, A. Gosselin and E. Gustineau, was first started in 1872 by Mr. Laneaue as a steam grist-mill, but changed to water-power in 1874. The Republican River is not well suited for damming, its banks being low and the bottom quicksand. In 1875, 120 feet of the dam was carried away, and the following year another portion went out, which compelled him to form a company. At an expense of about $70,000, with repairs and improvements, they have secured one of the best dams on the river. There are five run of burrs, with seven feet head, and enough water to run twenty burrs and the necessary machinery throughout the year

William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883
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