H. A. Rathje Mill - Peotone, IL
Posted by: 
cldisme
N 41° 19.931 W 087° 47.889
16T E 433212 N 4575940
Built around 1872, this windmill was the centerpoint for the agricultural community until it closed in 1917.
Waymark Code: WM221Z
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 08/22/2007
Views: 27
Dutch millwrights designed the agricultural structure, and their design of the 60-foot tower made it Peotone's sole skyscraper. The rare design of the structure has allowed the mill to become a familiar visual landmark throughout Will County. The structure still appears as it did originally, with the exception of losing the sails.
The mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 19, 1982. Will County designated the Rathje Mill as a Historic Landmark on January 18, 2002.
The Historical Society of Greater Peotone is in the process of seeing that the mill is restored to working condition.
When you visit you may be confronted by a descendant of the Rathje's and the leading force behind the Historical Society of Greater Peotone. She keeps a close eye on her pride and joy. Do not keep a low profile like you would for a geocache. If you ask the right questions, she may let you thumb through her scrapbook about Rathje Mill.
Purpose: Milling
Is This Windmill Functional?: No
Date of Manufacture: Not listed
Open to the public: Not Listed
Windmill Farm: Not Listed
Cost: Not Listed
Museum on Site: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
When logging a VISIT to a windmill that has been Waymarked, please take a a photograph of the Windmill and provide a summary of your visit. In this way we can track changes to the mills over the years