The 45'X 90' woolen mill was built in 1863, about 12 years after the original grist mill in Bonaparte had burned. The 4 stories of brick construction on a basement of stone became a going enterprise, one of the largest and well- known in Iowa, possibly second only to the mills at the Amana Colonies at that time.

The mills at Bonaparte, Iowa as seen from across the Des Moines River. The 3.5 story building on the left is the former 1892 Fairfield Glove Factory, now closed and awaitng restoration. The middle structure is the 1878 Meek's Grist Mill, which replaced the 1836 mill that burned in 1841. The former Meek's Woolen Mill is located on the right of the picture. More information about the history of the mills can be found on web-site.

Meek's Woolen Mill came on hard times at the turn of the 20th century, when the dam washed out in 1905 and the mill closed in 1906. Several gentlemen, one from Keosauqua and the other from Chicago had dreams of revitalizing the building in the few years after it's closure, but alas it was to no avail. By 1928, the roof was removed as it had become a hazard. The WPA, in 1938, accomplished some renovations in which the top two stories were removed and the building refurbished for use as an community auditoruim, fire hall, city hall, American Legion Hall, etc. The present use for the old structure is as Bonaparte Mill Antiques and Collectables.

The building above is the old Fairfield Glove Factory of 1892. It is just down 1st St. and across the street from Meek's Grist Mill, now better known as Bonaparte's Retreat. It is waiting to be restored and well should be as it is a fine building.