Houser/Pataha Flour Mills
Garfield Co. | Washington | USA
Watersource: Bihmaier Creek / electicity
Houser/Pataha Flour Mills
In Pataha City, a small community in the Palouse, 30 miles west of Clarkston, Wa. on US 12.
The 3 story wooden frame mill, built in 1879, originally used water power from Bihmaier Creek using turbines to run two sets of granite millstones. In 1889, the mill changed over to a roller operation when the mill was enlarged.
The large mill, located in the heart of the Palouse country of Washington State long famous for growing wheat on a large scale, obtained notoriety for its flour of high gluten content.
Roller mills manufactured by Bernard & Leas Mfg. Co. of Moline, Illinois.
A stand of six roller mills inside the Pataha Mill.
A piece of milling machinery built by the S. Howe Company's Eureka Works, Silver Creek, New York.
The mill seen from the southern approach. It is surrounded by several unique and historical houses and buildings at 50 Hutchins Hill Road.
The mill closed its doors to milling flour in 1940, although much equipment remained in pristine condition and is operating ocassionally in 2009.
*Update: The mill is open for tours, light meals and snacks, and Sunday religious services in 2009. Norman Reed 06/2009*