Main fundraiser photo

Urgent Repairs to Davidson Windmill, Lakeside, WI

The Davidson Windmill was built in 1904 by Finnish immigrant Jacob (Tapola) Davidson to grind flour and animal feed for farmers in the area. The windmill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The family donated the windmill to Old-Brule Heritage Society in 2001.

The mill is now in danger of collapse. The eight large, vertical timbers that make up the main framing show rot that was hidden from view by the outer layer of steel sheeting. On inspecting the sheeting for repair, it was discovered that one beam was rotted from the sheeting side almost completely through. Others show serious deterioration.

Old Brule Heritage Society (OBHS) has contracted with local contractors at Stack Brothers, Superior, WI, to repair or replace all framing as needed and replace the tin covering at a total cost of $40,815. This is a very complicated job, to say the least, and will require highly-skilled, professional workers. We believe Stack Brothers would have the expertise to save this landmark structure while preserving its historic look.

As of creating this fundraiser, OBHS has raised over half the cost, but we still need to raise $11,000 more before we could complete the project, after which there is still much work to be done. To avoid a total collapse, Stack Brothers started work on the framing on November 7th. We are gambling on having the funds to pay Stack Brothers on completion of the restoration.

If saving the Davidson Windmill is important to you, we desperately need your help. We realize that times are tough for many of us, but we hope that leaving this legacy for future generations is valuable to you.

Thank you/Kiitos/Tack,
Old Brule Heritage Society Members and Friends

More information about Old-Brule Heritage Society, Inc: Founded in 1998 to gather, preserve and share the history and heritage of Northern Douglas County and the Old Town of Brule region.
Stewards of the Old-Brule Archives, Davidson Windmill, Eskolin Finnish Log House, Taylor's Bridge, Monticello School, Blueberry Depot, & Erkkila Finnish Log Sauna.
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Donations 

  • Steve & Kathy Lund
    • $50 
    • 1 yr
  • Jane Wester
    • $50 
    • 1 yr
  • Melissa Tuura-Johnson
    • $50 
    • 1 yr
  • Debra Ollanketo
    • $50 
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $10 
    • 1 yr
Donate

Organizer

Joseph Autio
Organizer
Duluth, MN
Old-Brule Heritage Society, Inc
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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