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<div>We are a 501(c)3 origination. Your donation may be tax deductible.
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<div>New update:  9/7/26.
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<div>in our Millie Removation fund we have just over $26,000.  Some repairs are being made but we lost some shingles in the last big storm last month and bigger leaks have appeared.   We could really use more support.
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<div>Update: As of 12/31/25, our total Millie Renovation Fund is at $24,600! (Combination of the GoFundMe and another account we have set up at our local bank). Donations have been coming in across the country and locally. We now have some money accumulated to be able to qualify for some matching grants in 2026. 2025 was a busy year for us as you can see in the picture
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/82109829_1767216520698534_r.png" width="100%" />
<div>we’re looking forward to a prosperous new year with many more things to help promote our mill and to get Millie fixed up again. Thank you for all of your support.
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<div>9/12/25. This is our big WEEKEND coming up to showcase Millie. Any $ that we take in, including sponsorships and after expenses, will go directly into our Millie renovation fund. In just one year we’ve collected nearly $17,000!!! And enthusiasm is growing for this project.
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<div>Many people now REALLY want to SAVE MILLIE. Every little bit helps us to reach our goal and we appreciate immensely.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/82109829_1757690045341938_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div>4/20/25: You can see what Millie looks like right now. We’ve received some
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<div>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.
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<div>We are very grateful for what we’ve received at this point, and continually are looking for other ways to finance this major project.
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<div>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!"
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<div>Hello Friends, My name is Ed Nelson and I am the current President of the Peotone Historical Society. 
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<div>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.
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<div>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.
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<div>We would love to replace the shingles, replace the 2nd floor balcony, and install the blades and bring her back to life again.
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<div>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.
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<div>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.
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<div>Although it was mostly restored back in 1997, there hasn't been any significant maintenance done on the mill since.
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<div>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.
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<div>Over the years our members and the community have been very supportive of the PHS and we are hoping that continues into the future.
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<div>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. 
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<div>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.
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<div>Any donations are greatly appreciated. All will be directed to the restoration of Millie!
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<div>Thanks for your generous donation to help save our beautiful and iconic Dutch mill.
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<div>Ed Nelson
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<div>President, Peotone Historical Society
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<div>You can see more pictures of the Peotone Mill at:
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<div><a href="https://www.peotonehistoricalsociety.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.PeotoneHistoricalSociety.org</a>
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<div>and on Facebook at Peotone Historical Society-Peotone Mill
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<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/H.A.RathjeMill?mibextid=LQQJ4d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/H.A.RathjeMill?mibextid=LQQJ4d" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/H.A.RathjeMill?mibextid=LQQJ4d</a></a>
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<div>See a recent story of Millie at:
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<div><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/peotone-millie-950000-makeover-repairs-preservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/peotone-millie-950000-makeover-repairs-preservation/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/peotone-millie-950000-makeover-repairs-preservation/</a></a>
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Kendra Gammon

Anonymous

Timothy Thompson

Ed Nelson

THOMAS KNUTH

MARK J MONTAG

Janelle Fleck

Sharon Hoover

Marlon 6Le6Claire6

Barbara Francis

Michael Hartt

Judith Tompkins

William (Bill) MacPherson

Kemm Blogg

Sandy Frjelich

Kendra A Gammon

Chris Mociuk

Susan Fagan

Nick Strba

Laurey Davies

Help Save Peotone Mill aka Millie

Help Save Peotone Mill aka Millie

Still $945,780 to go. Help us build momentum.