This image has been cropped from the original.Photo byNRHP Nomination Form.

We had an industrial past and the mills were part of it. The value of mills can't be overstated. Mills were part of the local economy for many developing towns and Missouri has its share of an industrial heritage with these mills.

Mills provided employment. They began their decline when they were replaced by modern machinery. By preserving the old mills, they become living museums. Also, the preservation of the mills somewhat honors those who were here before us.

The historic mills educate people about what preceded manufacturing. Also, if the structures can be repurposed, there's another lesson in their architecture and historical importance.

Dilday Mill

The Dilday Mill was southeast of South Greenfield on Turnback Creek (Old Town of Turnback). It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 26, 1977. Unfortunately, it collapsed in June 1982. The collapse was captured in he Springfield Leader and Press on July 18, 1982. Visit here to see the article and image.

Dilday Mill was also referred to as Finley Mill. It was a historic grist mill in Dade County, Missouri. It was a water-powered mill constructed in 1867. It stood three stories high above Turnback Creek. After it collapsed, it was delisted from the National Register in 1994.

The Dilday Mill used to be one of the three oldest water-powered mills in Dade County. Back in its day of operation, it served as a business and social center for the village of Turnback, Missouri.

In the 1830s when the first settlers made it to Dade County, they were looking for areas near streams and rivers for settlements. There were about 10 mills built along Sack River, and Turnback and Limestone Creeks at one time. Only one stands today and that's the Hulston Mill built in 1880.

The Dilday Mill was built by John Balas Dilday. He arrived in Missouri from Kansas in September 1867. In that same year on Christmas, his neighbors helped him raise a frame for the new mill. Although the mill changed owners often, it stayed in operation until 1943, which is amazing. During the 1950s, parts of the mill were sold. When the mill was operating, it saw a lot of action.

Dilday also served as a postmaster from 1869 until 1895 when he died. An 1889 business directory listed a doctor, Dilday as a mill operator, and a blacksmith.

All the mills are representations of our industrial legacy.

Thanks for reading.