Lynnville Mill and Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Lynnville Mill and Dam
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | East St. Lynnville, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1848, 1868 |
| Built by | John Sparks |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000522 |
| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1977 |
The Lynnville Mill and Dam, also known as Wagaman Mill, is a very old and important building complex in Lynnville, Iowa, United States. It's a special place because it shows how people used to grind grain and create power a long time ago. This mill played a big part in the early history of Jasper County.
Contents
The Mill's Early Days
The story of the Lynnville Mill began in 1845. A man named John Sparks moved to Jasper County. He started building a small sawmill that year. A sawmill uses a large blade to cut logs into lumber. This first mill was finished in 1846.
Building the Grist Mill
After the sawmill, John Sparks started building a grist mill in 1847. A grist mill grinds grain, like corn or wheat, into flour or meal. This grist mill was completed in 1848. It was the very first mill ever built in Jasper County. This made it a vital place for local farmers.
How the Mill Changed Hands
In 1852, Jesse Arnold bought the mill. His son, Joseph, later joined him. In 1868, they made a big upgrade. They replaced the old paddle-wheel with a new vertical drive hydraulic turbine. A turbine is a machine that uses the force of moving water to create power. This made the mill much more efficient.
Modernizing the Mill
The mill continued to change over the years. In 1898, W.K. Wagaman bought the mill. He updated the machinery inside. This helped the mill work even better.
New Power and Products
W.K. Wagaman's son, Fred, took over next. Between 1918 and 1919, Fred made more important changes. He built a concrete dam to control the water flow. He also added another turbine and a special building called a wheel house. Fred stopped grinding wheat because it was no longer making much money. Instead, he focused on making animal feed, corn meal, and even electricity for the area.
Electrifying the Operation
Fred's son, Harris, also known as Huck, took charge of the mill in 1946. In 1958, he made the mill completely electric. This meant it no longer relied on water power for everything. Electricity made the mill's operations much easier and more modern.
Preserving History
The Lynnville Mill and Dam is a very important historical site. People wanted to make sure it was protected and remembered.
Restoring the Wheel House
In 1973, the Jasper County Conservation Board started working on the mill. They began restoring the wheel house. Their goal was to make it work just like it did when it was first built. This helps people understand how the mill operated long ago.
A National Historic Place
Because of its long history and importance, the mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This is a list of places in the United States that are considered historically significant. Being on this list helps protect the mill for future generations.
Ongoing Repairs
In 1998, the Lynnville Historical Society also began working on the mill. They started repairing the main mill building. These efforts help keep the old structure strong and safe. The Lynnville Mill and Dam remains a fascinating example of early American industry and innovation.
References
