Amana Woolen Mill – Amana Villages - Amana, IA
N 41° 47.819 W 091° 51.901
15T E 594295 N 4627858
The Amana Villages are a popular tourist attraction, and the woolen mill is one of the most visited buildings.
Waymark Code: WMN1HZ
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 12/07/2014
Views: 2
These seven villages are known collectively as the Amana Colonies, a religious communal society that came to Iowa from Germany in 1855. The villages were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Today this area is a popular tourist attraction and the woolen mill is one of the most visited buildings. The sign outside tells more of its history. The text reads:
“Amana Woolen Mill. The Amana Woolen Mill complex (die faktorel) dates back to 1858 with several additions established thereafter. This structure (1858) was the original weaving building and is still being used as such. The two story structure which is perpendicular to the 1858 building was used as the original carding and spinning facility and was built in 1903. The mill was originally powered by water wheels in the man-made millrace (canal).
The small brick building to the north and east of the salesroom was built in 1860 as a millwright shop. Here woodworking patterns and furniture and cabinets were fabricated. The building was used as a millwright until the 1960’s. Adjacent to the millwright shop was the machine shop (schlosserei). Built in 1860, this small structure manufactured and repaired locks and metal parts for the woolen mill and all its equipment. The small white building (1934) to the east of the machine shop was the complex’s original salesroom. Its original cost was $900.00.
A fire on August 11, 1923 destroyed much of the mill. It was rebuilt.
The present Woolen Mill salesroom was constructed in 1957.
Amana Society, Amana, Iowa 52203.”
Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Amana Villages
Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link]
NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): [Web Link]
Address:
800 48th Ave, Amana, IA 52203
How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Plaque on building (Photo in gallery)
Optional link to narrative or database: [Web Link]
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