Windmills of South Dakota

Hollands Grist Mill
In 1882, seven years before South Dakota became a state, Henry Hollands founded the "Milbank Flouring Mill". The mill was built in 1884 in an English design and was used to grind wheat into flour. As more people settled in Milbank, the mill could not generate enough power from the wind because of additional trees and buildings. Therefore, for a time, a gas burning engine was used to produce power. Although the years of active service for the mill enden in 1907, Milbank citizens were aware of its historic value and wanted the mill preserved. In 1912, the members of the Excelsior and Makocha study clubs joined forces and purchased the mill for $300 and presented it to the city of Milbank. When Grant County celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1928, a decision was made to move the mill to a more visible spot near the railroad depot where it could easily be seen by Milbank residents as well as by the passengers who travelled through on daily trains. The cost of this move was met by interested citizens, Jeremiah Milbank III and the Chicago-Milwaukee Railroad. This site became know as "Old Mill Park". In 1978, the mill made its third move and became a "symbol of service" when it was leased and cared for by Milbank Mutual Insurance Co. and moved to a location southwest of the insurance building. The "Hollands Grist Mill" restoration project 1997-2008, finds the mill in its current location near State Auto Insurance Company, just off US Highway 12. The mill is once again restored to its former appearance and grinding capabilities. A great deal of time, energy, and resources have gone into making this restoration and reconstruction project possible. Millwrights, construction crews, committees and volunteers have worked together to preserve this relic of Milbank and South Dakota history for the education and enjoyment of generations to come.