Peotone, IL – A historic landmark in Peotone, Illinois, known as the Peotone Mill, is in need of urgent restoration, prompting local residents to raise $1 million to preserve the iconic structure. The Peotone Historical Society has launched a fundraising campaign to restore the windmill, affectionately known as “Millie,” which has been a prominent feature in the town for over 150 years.
According to Ed Nelson, President of the Peotone Historical Society, significant damage has occurred to the windmill in recent years, especially after storms caused parts of the structure to weaken. The windmill, originally built in 1872, is the tallest structure in Peotone and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, weathering and lack of maintenance have taken a toll, requiring extensive repairs to preserve its legacy for future generations.
The fundraising effort, which has already garnered over $4,000 from 39 donors as of April 21st, 2025, aims to raise enough funds to replace the mill’s aging beams, windows, and other critical components. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up, with donations being used to replace deteriorating elements like the sails, as well as the mill’s leaky roof. Nelson and others involved in the campaign are hopeful that additional contributions will come in to meet the $1 million target.
“We are extremely grateful for what we’ve received at this point and continually are looking for other ways to finance this major project,” Nelson said in an update.
The mill, which also serves as a local museum, offers a glimpse into Peotone’s past, showcasing historical artifacts and memorabilia from the village’s early days. The Peotone Historical Society encourages the community to visit the mill on Sundays from May through October to learn more about the town’s history and contribute to the restoration effort.
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