Peotone Historical Society Inc

**. We are a 501(c)3 origination.   Your donation may be tax deductible.

4/20/25: You can see what Millie looks like right now. We’ve received some

donations but we are far from our goal. Between GoFundMe and whats been received in a special bank account has us at $15,000. We can start the process of replacing the leaking windows.

We are very grateful for what we’ve received at this point, and continually are looking for other ways to finance this major project.

9/9/24: "Thank you to everyone who has supported the Peotone Mill restoration so far! With your help, we’ve begun the initial steps of removing damaged beams. We still need your support to fully restore Millie, including replacing the sails and repairing the windows. Every share and donation counts—let’s save this historic treasure together!"

Hello Friends, My name is Ed Nelson and I am the current President of the Peotone Historical Society. 

On Aug 6th, 2024, our town windmill (Millie) had some major damage to it due to its age and neglect over the years. Two of the outside beams came crashing down onto the stage (2nd floor balcony) which is used to turn the cap.

Emergency funds from the village and historical society are being used to remove the outside beams and also the stage, which is showing major signs of deterioration.

We would love to replace the shingles, replace the 2nd floor balcony, and install the blades and bring her back to life again.

The wood around the windows are showing signs of rotting and leak during times of rain. The sails have been absent since late 1997-1998 when multiple storms damaged them.

Our windmill was built in 1872 and this year we're celebrating its 152nd anniversary with the Old Mill Fall Fest. The mill was used to grind wheat and oats that the area farmers would bring in.

Although it was mostly restored back in 1997, there hasn't been any significant maintenance done on the mill since.

Our goal is to obtain enough money through donations and grants to rehab the Peotone Mill to its past glory, with working sails, new cedar shingles, new windows, grinding stones, and new stage for all to enjoy.

Over the years our members and the community have been very supportive of the PHS and we are hoping that continues into the future.

Peotone, Illinois, is located just 40 miles south of Chicago. We have a population of approximately 4,100 residents and we are surrounded by agricultural land. 

The Peotone Historical Society has been in existence since November, 29, 1977. It is operated solely by volunteers. We currently open the inside of the mill and the surrounding landscaped yard for visitors to tour each Sunday from May to October, and to view items of historic value pertaining to Peotone and the surrounding area. The Peotone Mill is what really stands out in our town. Its the tallest structure in town, standing at 60'. It is the town logo, appearing on the Village of Peotone stationary, on the 2 water towers, the public works vehicles, on the police cars, vehicle stickers, and is even painted on the wall in the town meeting room. Everyone here in Peotone is really proud of our windmill.

Any donations are greatly appreciated. All will be directed to the restoration of Millie!

Thanks for your generous donation to help save our beautiful and iconic Dutch mill.

Ed Nelson

President, Peotone Historical Society

You can see more pictures of the Peotone Mill at:

www.PeotoneHistoricalSociety.org

and on Facebook at Peotone Historical Society-Peotone Mill

https://www.facebook.com/H.A.RathjeMill?mibextid=LQQJ4d

See a recent story of Millie at:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/peotone-millie-950000-makeover-repairs-preservation/