90-year-old windmill gets restored in St. Joseph County

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – The new look of a 90-year-old windmill at St. Patrick’s County Park was revealed Friday.

The Friends at St. Joseph County Parks earned a grand from several groups in St. Joseph County. The final restoration was completed in Middlebury at Miller’s Windmill Service.

The metal-bladed windmill was manufactured in 1927 to generate water to feed the herd of dairy cows when St. Patrick’s Farm was active.

The original blades were made in Illinois but the tower of the windmill was manufactured in Mishawaka, according to the parks department.

Unfortunately, over the years, the windmill blades began to deteriorate.

“Although the windmill no longer pumps water, we are delighted that the windmill now turns and positions itself into the wind. It’s a fitting 91st birthday present for this old mill.” Evie Kirkwood, County Parks director, said.