County of museum: Shelby County
Location of museum: Main St. (IA-173) & Elm St., Elk Horn
Phone: (712) 764-7472
"ELK HORN, Iowa —
The 170-year-old Danish Windmill spun for the first time in two years. Major construction had the windmill out of commission but with the sails turning, the tradition is restored.
'"It's a great windy day," said Lisa Riggs, who works for the Danish Windmill museum.
"The Danish Windmill was brought to Elk Horn, Iowa, in 1976. This is its first major construction since then.
'"It's the icon of the community," said Ben Hassett, who has been working on the mill for over 20 years.
"Ben Hassett is the Danish Windmill's millwright. He credits the Danish Windmill for inspiring his love of mills and learning that with history comes preservation.
'"When it used to run it would clunk and got pretty dangerous, so we had to take the sails, gearing and shaft down," said Hassett.
"Hassett found the original sails and gear from Denmark that were installed in 1976 had deteriorated and decayed. He had to build new ones, but before he could install them there was another hidden delay.
'"Things were going great, the sails were to be put up in May. As we were shingling the cap we found more wood rot," said Riggs.
'"The decay was so accelerated that you could put your arm inside the entirety of the beam," said Hassett.
"Tradition is what Iowa's Little Denmark is made of. Its pride for its Danish heritage is written in the town and its people.
'"I come back to see my family on the holidays and in part of that I stop up here to check on things," said Hassett.
'"That is a traditional thing to put on a Danish/American Christmas tree," said Riggs.
"Just in time for the holidays, the Danish Windmill is finally in one piece. As fresh garland goes up, the sails spin.
'"It's doing what it's meant to do and that's turn in the wind," said Riggs.
"For Elk Horn, windy days, remind them where they come from.
"The Danish Windmill still needs more repairs and about $80,000 to do it. Here's a way to donate or you can mail donations to PO Box 245, Elk Horn, Iowa, 51531.
"Thanksgiving weekend, the Danish Villages, Elk Horn and Kimbellton, Iowa, will host the 40th annual Julefest." ~ KETV 7, abc, Omaha, by Waverle Monroe, Nov. 19, 2018