Fair Haven Flour Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fair Haven Flour Mill
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The Fair Haven Flour Mill viewed from the west
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5001 Birchdale Road, Fairhaven, Minnesota |
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| Area | 13.2 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Built | 1867 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001574 |
| Added to NRHP | April 14, 1978 |
The Fair Haven Flour Mill is a very old building in Fairhaven, Minnesota, United States. It sits right next to the Clearwater River. This mill was built in 1867, making it one of the oldest mills still standing in Minnesota! It stopped working in 1942. Today, the mill is part of Fairhaven Mill Park. This park is a great place to visit and learn about history.
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What is the Fair Haven Flour Mill?
The Fair Haven Flour Mill used to grind grain into flour. It was a very important place for farmers in the area. They would bring their crops, like wheat, to the mill. The mill would then use the power of the river to turn big grinding stones. These stones would crush the grain into flour. This flour was then used to make bread and other foods.
How the Mill Worked
The Fair Haven Flour Mill was a water-powered mill. This means it used the force of the Clearwater River to make its machinery move. A special wheel, called a water wheel, would turn as the river flowed past it. This turning motion powered all the equipment inside the mill. It was a clever way to get work done before electricity was common!
The Mill's History
The mill was built in 1867. For many years, it helped the community by producing flour. But in 1942, the mill stopped working. This was during World War II, and there was a big need for metal. So, the mill's equipment was sold for scrap metal to help with the war effort.
After the mill closed, it was empty for a long time. It got damaged by floods and by people who broke in. But in the 1970s, a group called the Fair Haven Mill Association worked hard to fix it. They wanted to save this important piece of history.
Why is the Mill Important?
The Fair Haven Flour Mill is very special. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical sites in the United States. It was recognized because it shows how people used to do business, how they engineered buildings, and how industries worked a long time ago.
The mill is also important because it's one of the few old water-powered mills left in the area. It's also one of the oldest mill buildings still standing anywhere in Minnesota. It helps us remember how people lived and worked in the past.
The Mill Today
Today, the Fair Haven Flour Mill is part of Fairhaven Mill Park. Wright County owns and takes care of the park. Stearns County also helps out with money. This means that many people can visit the mill and learn about its history. It's a great example of how communities can save and share their past.
