Champeny-Old Oxford Mill
Sumner Co. | Kansas | USA
Watersource: Millrace from Arkansas River
Champeny-Old Oxford Mill
Midway between Winfield and Wellington, Ks. off US160 in Oxford. Turn north off US166, go 6-7 blocks, and turn right on Buss St. at the water tower. Cross Michigan St. along the high school practice fields to Water St. Turn left on Old Mill Road and go 0.5 miles to 170 Old Mill Rd. The mill is down below the new mill.
The 1874 Old Oxford Mill was completely restored in 1988-89 by the owners, Wallace Champeny and Hal Ross who are members of SPOOM. The restoration included new posts and beams, joists, flooring and a refurbished headhouse, seen in picture #3.
The mill is also serving as the Old Oxford Mill and Restaurant, combining old mill rustic charm with fine dining. Brandi Stevens is the general manager of the dining facility.
The rear side of the mill contains the inlet, bar screens and turbines to capture, and harness the power of a small part of the Arkansas River after it flows through the almost 2 mile long headrace to the turbines.
The south side of the mill from the front, right edge.
The turbine can be seen behind the vertical bar screen at the inlet. The new mill, built in 1935 just uphill of the old mill, was still producing several grades of flour in 2003. It is a frame 40'X 45' five story sructure.
The mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The restoration was painstakingly done and the result is a remarkable late 19th century flour/grist mill in excellent condition, probably better than when brand new.