Farmers Weekly Review

By Karen Haave

When it comes to the Peotone Historical Society and their Old Mill Fall Fest, PHS President Ed Nelson isn’t above a little boasting.

The 22nd annual fest, for instance, “was the biggest fest held at the mill in recent history. The weather was perfect and the crowds were immense,” he said smiling, knowing many came to support renovation of the old mill, dubbed “Millie,” damaged August 6 when rotting crossbeams collapsed.

“This year, we had more vendors than ever before, with a wide variety of homemade crafts, goods and even farm produce to purchase.

“We had a dynamic group of reenactors and demonstrators showing off their skills and portraying various characters, such as Abraham Lincoln. Abe and Mary Todd strolled around the mill grounds all day, entertaining people all the while.

“There was a group of Civil War soldiers who marched around the grounds in formation and demonstrated the firing of their muskets. The Civil War camp was set up near the back of the mill grounds. There was even a Civil War surgeon who performed a mock surgery on one of the soldiers.”

The historical society was also happy to show off the 152-year-old mill, affectionately dubbed “Millie.”

“When guests entered the Dutch grist mill, it was like journeying back in time,” Nelson noted. “There are a great number of antiques, displays and historical memorabilia throughout the mill showcasing what life was like in the past.

“Many people were surprised to find out that they could go all the way up to the fifth floor to see the gears and large beams that are in the cap.”

The fest included PHS merchandise, a bake sale, and a quilt raffle.

“Our annual bake sale was a huge success this year,” Tracy Nelson said. “We had pies, breads, cakes, cookies galore and even chocolate Windmill suckers just to name some of the selections. Everything was donated by local bakers, some of them blue ribbon winners at this years’ Will County Fair.

We greatly appreciate all of the items that were donated. By late afternoon the bake sale was sold out!

“To help raise funds for the Peotone Historical Society and the restoration of Millie, we sold ‘Save Millie’ T-shirts and koozies , along with other mill-related items.

“Although we didn’t have one last year, we brought back the quilt raffle. It was a beautiful western-style-looking quilt with cowboy boots on one side and horseshoes, bandanas and arrows on the other. Julie Stengel of Homer Glen was the winner.”

At the same time, Tracy Nelson said, Longaberger baskets were available for any donation, “and they were a big hit.” The baskets, T-shirts and merchandise are also available every Sunday from 1-3 p.m., May through October inside the mill.

“The Fire Pit Bar & Grill of Peotone again served a delicious lunch of brats, hot dogs and sloppy joe, along with their famous mac and cheese. Fest attendees could sit under the large tent while they ate their food in the shade and enjoy the reenactors.

“Adults, kids and even dogs all enjoyed a beautiful day filled with history and fun.

“Millie once again proved to be a wonderful hostess. There were many repeat visitors to the mill this year, but there were quite a few who drove long distances to check out Millie.

“Lately, the Peotone Mill has received an abundance of attention due to the condition she’s in, and the extra damage that just occurred in early August.

“The historical society is very optimistic that with a renewed relationship between the Village of Peotone, with help from its residents, outside donations and any other available state funding or grants, sails will once again be installed on Millie.

“It’s going to take all of us to come together and help raise awareness and funds so we’re able to restore her to her original beauty.

“The Peotone Historical Society worked very hard to host this fest,” Ed Nelson said, noting it was organized by his hardworking crew of four: himself, his wife, Tracy, PHS Treasurer Ann Nagel, and Secretary Nick George.

”With local businesses and their generous sponsorships and all of our volunteers, this year’s Old Mill Fall Fest was a huge success.

“We’d like to thank the Mayor’s office for their help and support, the guys at Peotone Public Works for all that they do for us, and all of the Boy Scouts who helped us out near the end. We don’t know the names of everyone who volunteered to help us this weekend but we don’t want to leave anyone out so we just want to say Thanks to everyone who helped us out. You are greatly appreciated. And thank you to all who attended, the vendors and the reenactors.”

The 23rd Annual Old Mill Fall Fest will be on September 21, 2025.

“We’ve actually already started working to make next year’s event even bigger,” he said.

The Peotone Historical Society will also be participating in Peotone’s Christmas In The Village on December 14. Millie will be open from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus.

If you’d like to become a PHS member or help in any way, you can reach them at [email protected].

The GoFundMe site is still open. Search “Peotone Mill” or “Millie” to donate.

Donations also can be made at First Community Bank and Trust in Peotone. Specify that you’re donating to the Peotone Mill Restoration Fund.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.