LINDSBORG, Kan. – “It’s noisy, the floors rumble, and the machines, gears, and belts spin, rattle, and shake at an unbelievable rate. It really must be seen to be believed!” says Lenora Lynam, Executive Director of the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.
Millfest is a rare day: the only time of the calendar year the Old Mill’s antique machinery across four floors is fired up. The Old Mill is the only working mill using 19th century roller mill technology in the Midwest.
Along with the mill’s operation, the day is celebrated with music, food, and artistic demonstrations as well as an emphasis on the 125th anniversary of the Old Mill’s existence.
At 1:30 pm, the front porch of the museum will hold a special anniversary ceremony. A drawing, from among those who paid for a tour, for artwork donated by Main Street Galleria and Studio will also be a part of the 1:30 pm ceremony along with Soderstrom Elementary School students singing Kära Lindsborg Mitt Hem (Dear Lindsborg My Home).
Guided tours of the Old Mill in action cost $10 per person and are available beginning at 9:00 am. For safety reasons, tours are limited to those 13 years old or older.
Admission to the museum and other events are by donation. At 10:00 am, guests can decorate their own Dala horse (while supplies last). Other events, activities, and demonstrations include:
- Traditional stick-and-hoop races and other old-time games
- A quilt show by McPherson Quilt Guild
- The Land Institutediscussing perennial grains and agriculture
- Hand-carving demonstrations
- Rope-making demonstrations
- Basketweaving
- Blacksmithing
- Goat milk soap & lotion by Wind River Farms
- Scrimshaw
- Wool Spinning
- and more!
Millfest will be the opening weekend for the temporary exhibit in the main gallery of the museum: Old Mill, New Life: Celebrating 125 Years of Lindsborg’s Historic Landmark. This exhibit is a timeline of all historical mills on the museum site and their owners, as well as rare historical photos with narratives to read.
Smash N Stuff Grill and Catering will be on site for smashburgers, casseroles, soups, and more.
The closing ceremony will have the Mayor of Lindsborg reading a special proclamation naming May 6 “Lindsborg Smoky Valley Roller Mills 125th Anniversary Day.”
The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the pioneering spirit of the Smoky Valley by educating, entertaining, and building community across generations so that history comes to life. With special emphasis on the period from 1870 to 1910, the museum includes two buildings on the National Register of Historical Places and extensive archives and artifact collections. The museum seeks to honor the rich story of Lindsborg and its people. Learn more at www.oldmillmuseum.org.
