Photograph by David Bickel |
Dillard
Mill State Historic Site |
Missouri Historic Landmarks |
Historical Places in Missouri
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a directory of Lodging, Bed and Breakfast Inns, Hotels, Cabins,
Cottages and Campgrounds, Dillard Mill State Historic Site
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of our fine hosts are ready to help plan your Missouri history
tour of Dillard Mill, MO. |
Dillard
Mill Historic Site, Missouri
~ MO History and Landmarks
One mile south of Dillard off Highway 49 in Crawford County,
just outside of Davisville
(573) 244-3120
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Dillard Mill, located in nearby Crawford County only a short
drive away, is particularly relevent today in light of our
country's challenge to find renewable energy resources.
We encourage you to visit Dillard Mill Historic Site where
you'll witness first-hand how water was turned in to power
to grind wheat into flour.
A barn-red mill nestled among green trees beside blue waters
rolling over a rock dam create the colorful setting of one
of Missouri's most picturesque historic sites. Completed in
1908, Dillard Mill sits along Huzzah Creek and was the second
mill built at the site. The first, Wisdom's Mill, built in
the 1850s, was destroyed by fire in 1895. Innovations in the
"new, modernized mill" included steel roller mills
for grinding the wheat and a turbine to power the mill. For
years, farmers brought their grain to the mill to be ground
into flour and eventually livestock feed. The mill ceased
operation in 1956.
Today,
most of the original machinery is still intact and operational.
A turn of a wheel brings the machinery back to life during
tours of the mill, which are given year-round. (Groups should
contact the site in advance). Picnic sites and a hiking
trail are available at the historic site, which is located
one mile south of Dillard off Highway 49 in Crawford County.
Each
Spring at the old mill, experience an early 1900s picnic.
This year the annual Old Dillard
Town Picnic will be held
on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Dillard
Mill State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Missouri Department
of Natural Resources, the event is free and open to the public.
With the
red, water-powered gristmill and clear Huzzah Creek as a backdrop
and bluegrass music filling the air, guests will truly feel
as if they have stepped back in time at this annual picnic.
Featured activities include old-time demonstrations, storytelling,
spinning and weaving, blacksmithing, quilting, pottery making,
horseshoeing, flintknapping, soap making, beading and rope
making. Food and drink will be available to purchase. The
first floor of the mill will be open with staff available
to answer questions. This event recalls the town picnics
held in nearly all small towns during the time period of 1900
until the late 1930s.
Be certain
to make your lodging
reservations for this delightful Spring event.
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For
lodging and accommodations near Dillard Mill and Dillard, Missouri
area click
here.
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