Grasshopper Falls was not unique in its history of name change. One of the founders of the town also had an experience in changing his name. The Polish name Piazzek was not easily remembered or pronounced by patrons of Joe Piazzek's grist mill, so many began calling him "Joe the Miller."
About the time the name of the town was changed to Sautrelle in 1863, he decided it would be advisable to have his named changed to Joe Miller.
At his request, the change was made by the Legislature; however, before long an estate was to be settled in his home country and no one named Miller was eligible for Piazzek's share.
After some consideration on his part, he induced the Legislature to make his name Piazzek again.
The source of this came from a March 10, 1943, Vindicator in a letter from Edward Baumgardner, Lawrence.
Photos of the pioneer miller and his mills are on permanent display at the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum. The museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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