hundreds of grist mill pictures now available for you to see. Also great information about mills and mill pictures.

Millpictures.com > Listings >Iowa>Van Buren Co.

Meek's Mill/Bonaparte Retreat
Mill No: Ia-89-01-Meek'sMill

State -

Iowa
County -

Van Buren Co.
Township -

n/a
Year -

prior mill,1836-this mill,1878
Water Source -

Des Moines River
 

In 1837, William Meek and his sons builta brush-wing dam. HWhile this enable the powering of a Grist mill, it was not sufficient for Meeks plans. Meek got the go ahead form the 1939 Iowa Territorial Legislature to build a dam completely across the Des Moines River, thereby making the river non-navigatable, even though locks were built in tothe dam.
In 1837, William Meek and his sons builta brush-wing dam. HWhile this enable the powering of a Grist mill, it was not sufficient for Meeks plans. Meek got the go ahead form the 1939 Iowa Territorial Legislature to build a dam completely across the Des Moines River, thereby making the river non-navigatable, even though locks were built in tothe dam.


The town of Meek's Mill was renamed Bonaparte by Meek in 1841, soon after the construction of Grist and Saw Mills. The brick 40'X 55' mill of 3.5 stories with a stone basement, was built in 1878 after the first 1836 mill burned in 1841.
The town of Meek's Mill was renamed Bonaparte by Meek in 1841, soon after the construction of Grist and Saw Mills. The brick 40'X 55' mill of 3.5 stories with a stone basement, was built in 1878 after the first 1836 mill burned in 1841.


Meek's Mill became Bonaparte's Retreat, a restaurant known for a 100 miles around for it's good food; steamboat and grist mill relics; and decor of Navajo rugs, coverlets, and quilts. Also drawing the attention of the diners are the walnut back bar and beams two foot thick.
Meek's Mill became Bonaparte's Retreat, a restaurant known for a 100 miles around for it's good food; steamboat and grist mill relics; and decor of Navajo rugs, coverlets, and quilts. Also drawing the attention of the diners are the walnut back bar and beams two foot thick.


Placque on the outside wall of Meek's Grist Mill commemorating it's inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places.
Placque on the outside wall of Meek's Grist Mill commemorating it's inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places.


Within several years of Meek's Mill being built, the Des Moines River banks were lined with other grist, flour, and lumber mills. Farmers came from as far as 100 miles for Meek's Mill to grind their grain, such was the reputation of the Meek Bros. mill. Wagons were ferried across the Des Moines River on Meek's Ferry. Bonaparte's hotels and businesses grew accordingly, as many settlers had to stay several days for the mill to get their grain finished.
Within several years of Meek's Mill being built, the Des Moines River banks were lined with other grist, flour, and lumber mills. Farmers came from as far as 100 miles for Meek's Mill to grind their grain, such was the reputation of the Meek Bros. mill. Wagons were ferried across the Des Moines River on Meek's Ferry. Bonaparte's hotels and businesses grew accordingly, as many settlers had to stay several days for the mill to get their grain finished.




Directions: Take Ia79 north one mile from Ia2, cross the Des Moines River, and turn left on 1st St.(Ch J40). The mill is at the end of the first block at Ist & West Sts.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation'\; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV



 

All information and images on this web site are Copyright 2003 by Jim Miller - All rights reserved



<< Back to the list