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USA : Textile mills brought ''alive'' for posterity sake |
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2004-8-12
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Missouri''s rural roads are still dotted with old mills. As America entered the 20th century, there were more than 900 mills in Missouri. But today, only about 150 remain. A few have been restored, while others have been converted to houses or other businesses.
Take a closer descriptive look at some of the historic sites:
Jefferson City, MO - The cool, clear streams of the Ozarks were ideal for water-powered mills and the communities that grew around them. During their peak, mills not only served as a source of income for their owner, but also as a social gathering place for farmers who waited as their grain was ground into flour and meal. These gatherings often became the social focus of an area. Other mills, like Watkins Woolen Mill, served as a place of employment for many.
Today, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources preserves four of Missouri''s remaining mills, three gristmills and one textile mill, which were once thriving businesses for early entrepreneurs. A visit to any of these historic structures will give visitors a glimpse of the 19th century way of life.
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Burfordville -In 1800, George Frederick Bollinger built a wooden gristmill and dam on the Whitewater River in today''s Cape Girardeau County. In 1825, he replaced it with a stone and wooden building. During the Civil War, Union forces burned the mill to prevent the passing of flour and meal into rebel hands. The present-day, four-story mill was built in 1867 of brick on top of the existing stone foundation. The method of powering the mill was changed from a water wheel to a more efficient water-driven turbine. Today, visitors to the mill can view milling machinery, exhibits and demonstrations of making stone-ground cornmeal.
Burfordville Covered Bridge, which was traveled by farmers hauling their wagonloads of grain to the mill, still stands next to the mill, making the historic site a popular place for photographers and artists.
Dillard Mill State Historic Site, Davisville - This red mill nestled among green trees next to the clear water of Huzzah Creek creates one of Missouri''s most picturesque historic sites. In 1908, Dillard Mill, the second mill on this site and one of Missouri''s best preserved, water-powered gristmills, was completed with new innovations such as steel roller mills for grinding the wheat and a turbine to power the mill, which is located in Crawford County. Today, starting the turbine brings the machinery back to life during tours of the mill. Picnic sites provide a peaceful, scenic setting to enjoy lunch and snap a photograph.
Montauk Mill, Salem - The clear, cool water of Montauk Spring that attracts trout fishermen today also attracted settlers to the area in the early 19th century. The rushing waters of the Current River were ideally suited for gristmills. Montauk Mill, within Montauk State Park, is the only remaining structure from the once-thriving Montauk community. Designed by famous millwright William Jackson Furry, it was constructed in 1896 using shortleaf pine and oak trees from the surrounding hills. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built roads, cabins, trails, a fish hatchery and a stone shelterhouse in the state park and also completed some restoration work on the mill. Today, the mill contains most of its original machinery and is available for tours during much of the year. Along with the mill, the park features rainbow trout fishing, hiking, a dining lodge, camping, picnicking, cabins and motel rooms.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site, Lawson - Watkins Woolen Mill, the only 19th century textile in the country with its original machinery still intact, was once part of Waltus Watkins'' extensive farm called Bethany. Built in 1861, the mill housed more than 50 machines, employed numerous people, and produced a quality line of fabrics, blankets, shawls, fine yarns and batting. Along with the mill, the Watkins home, the octagon-shaped Franklin School, the Mt. Vernon Church and several outbuildings, all a part of the original plantation, have been restored and can be toured. During the summer months, visitors can watch an 1870s family live, work and play as the Living History Farm Program brings the farm back to life. The adjoining state park features hiking and equestrian trails, a paved walking/bicycle path around the park''s lake, camping, a swimming beach and picnicking. |
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