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"Florence Mill"

Located 9102 N. 30th Street. ()

The Florence Mill Chronology

In 1880, the mill was converted to steam.  The sawmill and grist mill operation ended when the mill was converted to a roller mill for production of flour.

In 1915, the mill was converted from a flour producing mill to a grain mill.  A grain elevator was added to support the operation.

In 1923, electric power replaced the steam powered operations.

Though no longer dependant on the water power, the mill remained in its original location at 9124 North 30th St on the south side of Turkey Creek, now being called Mill Creek.  When the creek waters rose, the mill was subjected to periodic flooding.  In 1932, a major flood damaged the mill but it survived and continued operations.  In 1937, it survived a hailstorm  The same year, the mill was flooded to a depth of 14 feet.

In 1939, after a lawsuit with the city, the mill was moved east about 400 feet to higher ground and to its current location at 9102 N. 30th St. Turkey/Mill Creek was diverted underground to the Missouri River.  During the move, wooden pegs such as were used in the construction of the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City were discovered.  It is presumed the wooden pegs are from the original construction 92 years earlier.

From 1943 to 1945 the mill was closed while the owner, Lyman Weber, served in the armed forces during World War II.

In 1964, the Interstate Highway system was making plans to use the Mormon Bridge as part of the Interstate 80 bypass.  The Florence Grist Mill was too close to the construction area and would have to be bulldozed as part of the clearing operation.  The Kenwood Feed Store in Florence owners, Ernest Harpster, Jr. and his wife Ruthie, saved the mill from the bulldozer and continued to operate the mill until 1989.  After that time, it was used to store feed until 1998.

A new life started for the historic landmark when a local artist, Linda Meigs purchased the mill in 1998.  Ms. Meigs' intention is to preserve the mill as a historical museum, educational site, and art gallery.  Her support for the mill, the community of Florence, and keeping true to her original intentions is impeccable.  Make sure you visit the mill, especially during Florence Days.  The mill is available for group tours by calling 402-551-1233.

See events at the Florence Mill on the events page.