LASR.net Homepage




Menu


Old Mill Plaza


category : Historic Buildings
The Old Mill Plaza was built in 1879 by Monarch Steam Mills. It was purchased in 1886 by Bernhard Warkentin, who needed the mill to grind the resilient Turkey Red hard winter wheat. In 1973, however, the once productive mill was an abandoned, fire razed building scheduled to be demolished. Seventy-five percent of the beautiful Mansard roof had been destroyed before protests of concerned citizens temporarily halted the project. At midnight, the evening before demolition was to resume, Lloyd Smith, a local manufacturer and inventor, and his wife Jacqueline decided to buy the building and save it from destruction. After the purchase, Smith began revitalizing the old mill. The discovery of the original blueprints used to construct the mill enabled Smith to rebuild the Mansard roof exactly like the original. Today, the Old Mill Plaza is the location of many local businesses and the Old Mill Restaurant and Bar.

State and National Historic Landmark


Come visit us in Newton, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Carriage Factory Gallery & Park

In 1883-1884, one of Newton's largest industries was established, J.J. Krehbiel's Carriage Factory. Mr. Krehbiel was one of the founders of Bethel College. In 1993

Newton, KS Arts

Harvey County Historical Museum and Library

The Harvey County historical Museum and Libraryi is housed in a former Carnegie Library that served Newton and Harvey County residents until 1973. Completed in 1904, the library was built by a gift from Andrew Carnegie and is the oldest public building in town. * Harvey County Hall:

Newton, KS Museums

Warkentin House

The historic Warkentin House is the former home of Bernhard and Wilhelmina Warkentin, built in 1887. It is a splendid example of the Victorian period in American architecture and furnishings. As a museum, the house offers a glimpse into the way the Warkentins lived, since 80

Newton, KS Famous Homes

Kauffman Museum

The Kauffman Museum is located on the Bethel College campus in North Newton. The museum emphasizes the cultural and natural history of the Central Plains and the immigration of the Mennonites to Kansas in the 1870

Newton, KS Museums

Mennonite Settler Statue

The tallest, sturdiest Mennonite in Kansas stands seventeen feet tall in the Athletic Park. He is the Mennonite Settler Statue built in 1942

Newton, KS Landmarks

Things to do Historic Buildings near Newton, KS

Old Mill Plaza

The Old Mill Plaza was built in 1879 by Monarch Steam Mills. It was purchased in 1886 by Bernhard Warkentin, who needed the m...