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| Ozark
Grist Mills |
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Early white settlers of the Missouri Ozarks, familiar with the water powered grist
and sawmills in Europe, harnessed the power of Ozark springs and rivers to grind their
grain. These grist mills not only provided a necessary service for the community to
prosper, but also generally served as the center of society in many Ozark communities.
Sometimes these centers evolved into county seats. |
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Dawt
Mill, of the North Fork River, as it stands today. |
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Often springs were chosen over rivers, as they are somewhat more predictable and easier to
dam. Not only did the spring need to provide adequate power to harness, but other key
factors such as the location to settlers, ease of accessibility by wagons, and protection
from floods was necessary. |
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Often mills were rebuilt several times, over the years, at the same water source. Such is
the case with the Hammond Mill of the North Fork River. Originally built in 1856, out of
local log timbers, it was replaced with a frame structure in the 1860s. In 1876 the mill
burned and was rebuilt the following year, only to be washed away by a flood in 1904. The
mill was once again rebuilt, on higher ground, in 1907 where it operated until its close
in the early 1930s. |
Hammond
Mill shortly before it was torn down in the 1930s. |
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There were several methods used to capture the power of the flowing water, depending on
the placement of the spring. Submerged turbines were used in traditional dammed springs
and millpond settings, while undershot and overshot wheels were used in other situations. With time the water milling era gave way to the age
of electricity and most of the mills were closed. One mill, the Redman Mill of the North
Fork River, prolonged its life a few years by transferring the power of the river to an
electric generator to charge batteries, for a fee.
Today, there are still a few of these
Ozark gems standing. There are five mills alone still standing in Ozark county, in the
valleys of the North Fork River and Bryant Creek. These 5 mills reside in a 20 mile
circle, and today range from picturesque old buildings to resorts. |
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