Wommack Mill, originally known as the Boegel and Hine Flour Mill, is a significant historical landmark in Fair Grove, Missouri. Constructed in 1883, this 2 1/2-story, heavy timber frame building with vertical board siding was a vital hub for the local agricultural community for decades. Unlike many mills of its time, Wommack Mill was steam-powered rather than water-powered, a notable distinction. Adjacent to the mill stand two striking cylindrical grain storage silos, built of creek gravel concrete between 1915 and 1917, which, despite issues with grain spoilage, have become iconic visual elements of the site. The mill operated continuously, changing hands and names over the years, until its closure in 1969 following the death of its last long-term operator, Clifford Wommack.
Following its closure, the Wommack Mill faced an uncertain future until the Fair Grove Historical and Preservation Society acquired it in 1984 with the intent of preserving it as a working mill museum. This endeavor has involved extensive restoration efforts, including lifting the entire building to install a new foundation and sourcing antique machinery to bring the mill back to operational status. Today, the Wommack Mill is not only a museum offering a glimpse into early 20th-century life and agricultural practices but also serves as a central gathering place for the community. It is the centerpiece of the annual Fair Grove Heritage Reunion, hosts a summer farmer’s market, and provides a picturesque backdrop for numerous events, embodying its enduring role as a social and historical landmark in Fair Grove.
Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In The States, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.
