Watkins Mill – Excelsior, MO - Mills and Gins on Waymarking.com

Waltus Watkins, a farmer and businessman built the woolen mill in 1860 and produced a dozen different fabrics, a variety of blankets, yarn, and batting. He also built a gristmill and sawmill, planted a sizeable orchard, and raised shorthorn cattle, sheep, horses, and hogs. His bee hives still stand behind the house; the family sold honey, made their own butter and cheese, canned and dried the fruit and vegetables that they raised, and cured meat. Flour and cornmeal was produced in the gristmill and sold in stores. The woolen mill was finally closed in the late 1890’s, but the family continued to farm the land until 1945. The woolen mill remains just has it did during operation. Inside a display of bowls of raw wool, a lathe, wood turning tools, and other artifacts from that time period is on display for visitors. It operated on a 60 hp. steam engine purchased from a St. Louis river steamboat.

The property became a state historic site in 1964, was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and is now operated by the Missouri DNR as part of the state park.

The museum displays tells more about the Watkins’ farm and their industry and has an automated loom operating in the back of the room. A variety of primitive tools, a two seat horse-drawn carriage, grindstone, hand plow, and other implements were also on exhibit.

Year built?: 1860 Is the mill or gin still in operation?: No What is or was processed here?: woolen fabric, yarn, batting, and blankets Are tours available?: Yes, on a regular basis. How is or was it powered?: stream Related link to this waymark.: [Web Link] What is it used as today?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
A picture of the mill or gin along with any information you can provide about the waymark and what you might have experienced while visiting.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   10/23/2018 MountainWoods visited it