Topaz Grist Mill
Douglas Co. | Missouri | USA
Watersource: Spring fed trib. of N. Fork White River
Topaz Grist Mill
SR 181 south of Cabool,take a right onto SR 76,Then a left onto route "E". "E" is a good summer dirt road but can be muddy and slippery in inclement weather. Continue on "E" for about 4 miles to mill.`
Frame 15'x25' stone foundationed mill 2.5 stories tall. Crystal clear spring water powers the turbine roller mill which is situated in a pleasant wooded valley. A little hamlet of two houses, a general store and the mill make up the community. The area is private property and visitors are "semi-welcome". Pictures can be taken from the road but visitors should respect the property rights of the owners.
Some of the store is visible left side of pic. Headrace is in tip-top condition directing the spring flow into the turbine behind the mill. The shaft from the turbine protrudes upward into the gearhouse where the direction of power is tranferred horizontally into the mill to be used to power mill equipment.
The road that is in front of the mill is county route "E". Redbud tree is just beginning to bloom along the headrace. Best photo oportunity is likely AM. In 2005, the mill was owned by Joe O'Neal. He is very proud of his mill and will gladly show it to anyone who asks permission to be on his property. These photos were taken from the county road.
Taken 11/9/2017