Alley Spring Mill

The Alley Community… A Gathering Place

Alley was home, farm, and school for people who lived here a century ago. Dances, baseball games, and roller skating were all part of Alley’s busier days. John Knotts purchased the 80 acre site in 1902 and diversified the enterprises to include a well-stocked store and blacksmith shop.

A mill was vital to community life, where grain was ground to provide the daily bread. The present building was constructed during 1893-1894 by George Washington McCaskill as a merchant mill. It was larger than most mills in the Jacks Fork area and replaced an earlier mill on this same site that was built by 1868. Originally unpainted, it was first painted white with green trim, then later the famous red color associated with Alley Mill today.

A TOUR OF THE MILL

The Back Porch

Located under the back porch is the turbine pit. In it sat a thirty five inch Leffel turbine. Belts from the turbine brought power into the basement. A control wheel on the porch allowed the miller to control how much water entered the turbine and thereby control its speed. This ability to control the speed was one of the innovations that made turbines preferable to the old water wheels.

Basement

This is where all power was transmitted to the machinery. Elevators and belts operated from a driveshaft running the length of the building. This section of the mill is not open for public visits.

First Floor

Whole grain (corn or wheat) entered the mill here. The grain was put into bins, then elevated to chutes that were connected to milling machines. These are the large iron and wood machines near the back of the room. Here the grain was ground, picked up in another elevator, taken back up and dropped down into the next machine. This process allowed the grain to be ground repeatedly to a fine flour suitable for baking. Bins for storage were also located on this floor, as well as the miller’s office.

Second Floor

Sifting was the main activity here. The large cube shaped machine was called a swing sifter. It shook the ground grain through a series of sieves to achieve a uniform consistency. The rectangular machines were an earlier way to do the same thing. In these machines, flour was filtered or sifted through silk.

The Attic

Belts that operated the second floor machines were located here. The attic is not restored and is not open for public visits. Alley Mill is an example of over 100 historic structures found within Ozark National Riverways. By protecting this landmark, we are preserving the heritage of all Americans. Please help by respecting all historic and archeological artifacts in the park. It is illegal to remove artifacts, including arrowheads, from Park Service or other Federal lands. It is also disrespectful to the memories of those who went before us. Please leave them for the next person to enjoy.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are two of the finest floating rivers you’ll find anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites such as Alley Mill.

What to Photograph

The Alley Mill was built in 1894. Much of the original milling equipment is still in place. Exhibits explain the life and culture of the Ozarks.

Storeys Creek One Room Schoolhouse

Located within walking distance of Alley Mill, six miles west of Eminence, Missouri on State Route 106. Open on summer weekends. Grounds always open, but access into the school is limited.

Where it is:

Alley Mill is located six miles west of Eminence, Mo on State Route 106

Maps:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.

GPS:

Coordinates 37°9′15″N 91°26′31″W

Cost:

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is open year around, the grounds of the mill are open 24 hours a day.  Alley Mill and General Store are open daily from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.

Alley Spring Visitor Information Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Alley Spring campground is open daily year-round. Campers only from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Location Contact Information:

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965

Physical Address
404 Watercress Drive
Van Buren, MO 63965

Phone:
(573) 323-4236

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Alley Springs Mill Photo Gallery

Click Here for full page gallery

More Photographic Destinations in Missouri:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.

Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State 

gdisch On November 1, 2018   /   Missouri, Water Mill   /   Leave a comment