Mintaro Flour Mill, 2021. (MPA/pgm)

09. Flour Mill

This 1850’s steam driven flour mill is a tangible reminder of Mintaro’s role as an early agricultural supply centre. Sadly the high free standing chimney was largely demolished to prevent local children from climbing up its inside.

1858 Foundation stone laid for steam flour mill
1865 Fire at the mill
1867 Silk-dressing machine obtained
1876 Auction of property due to death of Mr John Smith

This once important steam flour mill, constructed in 1859, is a tangible reminder of Mintaro’s role as an agricultural service and supply centre. It was first owned by John Smith, a substantial property owner in the town and district who purchased the adjacent Mintaro Hotel (now the Magpie and Stump) in 1858.

The mill was used for grinding and dressing grain. The four pairs of grinding stones and two sets of rollers were driven by a twenty horsepower steam engine. It ceased operating in the mid 1870s and the machinery was transferred to the Jacka brothers’ mill at Morgan.

The mill today has been substantially restored, including the reinstatement of its barrel-vaulted roof. Unfortunately the distinctly square chimney, which the mill had originally, has been lost.[1]

Notes

  1. Mintaro Heritage Brochure, Mintaro Progress Association, 2016.

State Heritage Place, SAHR 11644, confirmed 5 April 1984.

Intention to build Flour Mill
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Sat 31 Jul 1858, Page 4
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/158124113

Laying of the Foundation Stone
The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Mon 13 Sep 1858, Page 2
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/783260

Fire at the Flour Mill
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thu 2 Mar 1865, Page 3
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/39130213

Notice of 1876 Sale of Flour Mill
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tue 19 Dec 1876, Page 7
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/43010356

This small, thoroughly charming, largely untouched historic town features some of the most significant and captivating 19th century buildings & ruins in South Australia.

The Mintaro Progress Association Incorporated acknowledges the Ngadjuri people as the Traditional Owners of the Country where Mintaro is situated today, and pays its respect to Elders past and present.

All rights reserved © Mintaro Progress Association Inc.

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