Museum Tour: The Windmill
Overview
Northwest of the farmhouse is the property's newest structure. It is a replica of the windmill that used to tower over the farm, and was constructed by E&R Pumps and Windmills, in collaboration with some of the property's former residents.
The windmill was crucial to the farm's operation. In addition to identifying the direction of wind at any time, it pumped water for use on the property. This was especially critical when droughts threatened crops and livestock.
This windmill is very similar to the one lurking within the village of Grovers Mill and ones that used to service Berrien City and Dutch Neck. Although the Grovers Mill tower, more infamous for (reputedly) having been shot at during Orson Welles' fateful 1938 broadcast, stands nearly 3 miles away, the structure on the farmstead gives insight into how a drunken farmer could have mistaken the Grovers Mill's construct for a menacing alien tripod. Luckily, the residents of the Schenck Farmstead were more level-headed!
To see the windmill in person and immerse yourself in history, visit the farmstead!
Northwest of the farmhouse is the property's newest structure. It is a replica of the windmill that used to tower over the farm, and was constructed by E&R Pumps and Windmills, in collaboration with some of the property's former residents.
The windmill was crucial to the farm's operation. In addition to identifying the direction of wind at any time, it pumped water for use on the property. This was especially critical when droughts threatened crops and livestock.
This windmill is very similar to the one lurking within the village of Grovers Mill and ones that used to service Berrien City and Dutch Neck. Although the Grovers Mill tower, more infamous for (reputedly) having been shot at during Orson Welles' fateful 1938 broadcast, stands nearly 3 miles away, the structure on the farmstead gives insight into how a drunken farmer could have mistaken the Grovers Mill's construct for a menacing alien tripod. Luckily, the residents of the Schenck Farmstead were more level-headed!
To see the windmill in person and immerse yourself in history, visit the farmstead!
