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On the grounds of the 50-acre county park you will see an authentically restored 1868 grist mill, a new dam, mill pond,fish ladder, foot bridge, saw mill display, 1840s cooperage, visitor center, gift shop, creamery, blacksmith shop, picnic shelter, vintage garden, nature trail and more.
The showpiece of the park is the Beckman Mill, the restoration of which was completed in 1997 by the Friends of Beckman Mill’s volunteer work crew. It is operational with power being supplied by its original 1860s water driven Leffel turbine. In the event alternate power is needed, the mill can be operated by its vintage two-cylinder gasoline engine.
The mill was built shortly after the Civil War by millwright William Howe of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In 1882 it was acquired by August Beckmann who had previously operated mills in nearby Juda and Hanover. The mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Big “Money For Maintenance” Raffle!!
After 20 years of use, the buildings in Beckman Mill Park are in need of attention. To raise money for maintenance, the Friends of Beckman Mill organization is holding a major raffle offering these valuable prizes:
- 14 KARAT YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND FASHION RING VALUED AT $250
- GUEST PASS AT NORTHPOINTS WELLNESS CENTER IN ROSCOE, IL
- OVERNIGHT STAY IN WHIRLPOOL SUITE AT THE BELOIT INN
- LIMITED EDITION 16 X 20 WATER COLOR PRINT OF THE BECKMAN MILL BY CLANCY ROSE
Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 and may be purchased on weekends at the Friends of Beckman Mill gift shop or by calling Fran Peterson Rose at 608 362-3954.
The drawing for raffle winners will be held on October 20th at the FBM Annual Meeting.
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