Florence Mill (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Weber Mill
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1847 |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001568 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1998 |
The Florence Mill, also called the Weber Mill, is a really old building in North Omaha, Nebraska. You can find it at 9102 North 30th Street, close to the I-680 exit. This historic mill was built way back in 1846 and kept working until the 1960s.
It's so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. People also know it by other names like the Mormon Mill, Grist Mill, or Old Pink Mill. Today, it's a cool place to visit called the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery.
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The Florence Mill: A Pioneer Story
The Florence Mill has a fascinating history, starting with the Mormon pioneers. In 1846, Brigham Young oversaw its construction. These pioneers were living in Winter Quarters, Nebraska at the time.
The mill was super important because they needed a way to grind their corn, wheat, and rye. This helped them make cornmeal and flour for food. The first mill was built next to Turkey Creek, which is now called Mill Creek. This creek flowed into the Missouri River.
The original building was left empty in 1846. But a new mill was built in 1847, costing about $3000. Brigham Young later sold this mill to John Neff. However, Neff also left it when he moved to Salt Lake City.
In 1856, Alexander Hunter started running the mill. He helped meet the needs of the new town of Florence, which was founded in 1854. Hunter even tore down the old mill. He reused some of its good wooden beams to build a new one.
The Weber Family's Long Legacy
Around 1860, Jacob Weber bought the mill. He made a big change by replacing the old water-powered machines. Instead, he installed new equipment that ran on steam. This was a modern upgrade for its time!
The Weber family owned and operated the Florence Mill for more than 104 years. This made their business one of the longest-running in Nebraska. They played a huge part in the milling industry. Their hard work helped the industry grow from the late 1800s into the 1900s.
Explore the Mill Today!
Today, the Florence Mill is home to the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and the ArtLoft Gallery. When you visit the museum, you can see historic photos from the pioneer era. There are also old newspaper clippings from 1854. You can even check out farming tools and items from that time.
The mill also hosts a fun farmers market. This market runs from June all the way through the end of September. It's a great place to find fresh, local produce.
Just so you know, there have been some stories that Warren Buffett was helping to fix up the mill. But those reports weren't true. He hasn't been involved in the renovation efforts.
See also
