Dawt Mill
Ozark Co. | Missouri | USA
Watersource: North Fork White River.
Dawt Mill
East from Tecumseh on US 160 1.3 miles turn left on Mo PP and go 1 mile to sign for the mill. The mill will be 0.5 miles off to the left from Mo PP.
The old Dawt Mill is used mainly now as a campground and canoe rental facility. Most of the original mill machinery has been removed to make space for T-shirt and souvenir display and sales.
The second floor, however does include a Meadows mill where flour is ground for various mixes for customers of the tourist persuasion.
The third floor contains a little bit of the original pully and belt system used to power the various machinery utilizing the water wheel.
This view is from a concrete apron used in many Missouri streams as low water crossings. The N. Fork of the White River is a very clear, cold, fast running stream.
View, north looking south, of the water inlet and almost in-creek raceway to the mill.
*Update: This information taken from Texas Co, Mo. newspaper in 2003. Dawt Mill perches on a high bank of the North Fork of the White River. It is said that in 1874 President U. S. Grant conveyed the "patent" for the land to one Rhuhama J. Isom. The source of the name Dawt is lost in the past. Built in 1887 by Alva Hodgson, this mill continues to serve as a center of activity. The mill is at the heart of a resort area that includes campsites and a general store. The mill burned in 1896, but was rebuilt a year later and has been kept in working condition for more than 100 years. Don't let the water wheel next to the mill fool you; it is for looks. A turbine powered by the North Fork River ran the mill. Pat Moyer 06/05/05*
*Update: The Old Dawt Mill was deemed unsafe by its owners and torn down this last fall. It has now been completely rebuilt and looks great! It is opening this month (July 2009) fully operational and as a full service restaurant.
Update cont'd: I have mixed feelings about them tearing the old one down, but at least they have rebuilt an exact fully operational reproduction. Jim Viebrock 06/26/2009*