Smith Center, KS, Old Dutch Windmill - 2/22/06 -

The Old Dutch Windmill was built by Charles Schwarz, a native of Germany, who homesteaded in Smith County in the 1870s. Its timbers were hewn from native logs and its burrs cut from native stones. It was completed about 1882 and for years it ground corn, wheat and buckwheat brought to it by farmers of the area. Wind power operated the mill until about 1913 when a kerosene engine was installed. It was moved to the park in Smith Center from its original site near Reamsville, northwest of Smith Center, in 1938.

Sign telling history of the Old Dutch Mill.
smith center ks kansas old dutch mill windmill
The original mill was 54 feet high and the large wheel had a spread of 60 feet. Sail cloth was first used for fan blades. A tail wheel 10 feet in diameter kept the big wheel facing into the wind. It was moved to its present location in 1938. It was partially destroyed by fire on March 16, 1955 but was restored to its present condition. This is one of two such mills still standing in Kansas.
smith center ks kansas old dutch mill windmill
The original mill was 54 feet high and the large wheel had a spread of 60 feet. Sail cloth was first used for fan blades. A tail wheel 10 feet in diameter kept the big wheel facing into the wind. It was moved to its present location in 1938. It was partially destroyed by fire on March 16, 1955 but was restored to its present condition. This is one of two such mills still standing in Kansas.
smith center ks kansas old dutch mill windmill
Stones for grinding.
smith center ks kansas old dutch mill grinding stones

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