Florence Mill (Omaha, Nebraska)

Florence Mill, also known as the Weber Mill, is located at 9102 North 30th Street near the 30th Street exit on Interstate 680 in the Florence community in North Omaha, Nebraska. It was built in 1846 and operated into the 1960s.(nd) Florence Mill. Historic Florence website. Retrieved 6/6/07. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Weber Mill in 1998.(1998) National Register of Historic Places Listings. National Park Service. Retrieved 6/6/07. The mill is also known as the Mormon Mill, Grist Mill, and Old Pink Mill.http://www.historicflorence.org/attractions.php Historic Florence: Attractions
==History==
Brigham Young supervised construction by the Mormon pioneers of Winter Quarters, and today the Florence Mill is reportedly the only surviving building to have been built by the Mormons.(nd) A Look Inside Florence Mill. HistoricOmaha.com. Retrieved 6/6/07. The settlers needed a mill to grind corn, wheat, and rye to create cornmeal and flour products. Constructed next to Turkey Creek, later called Mill Creek, which flowed into the Missouri River, the original structure was deserted in 1846. A new mill was built in 1847 at the cost of $3000. Brigham Young sold this mill to John Neff, who deserted it when he moved to Salt Lake City.(nd) Grist Mill: Florence Mill During the Mormon Period. HistoricFlorence.Com. Retrieved 6/6/07.
Alexander Hunter began operating the Mill in 1856, helping to fill the demands of the new town of Florence, founded in 1854 on the old site of Winter Quarters. He tore down the original mill, reusing some of the good timbers to build a new mill.(nd) Around Florence: Florence Mill. AllAboutOmaha.Net. Retrieved 6/6/07.
==Weber family==
Jacob Weber acquired the Mill around 1870, replacing water-powered machinery with new steam-powered equipment. The Weber family operated the Florence Mill continuously for over 104 years, contributing to the development of the milling industry between the last half of the nineteenth century into the twentieth century. The Weber's business was long considered to be the longest operating business in Nebraska.(2007) More Nebraska National Register Sites in Douglas County: Weber Mill. Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 6/7/07.
==Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery==
Today the Mill is operated as the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery.Moreland, D. (2006) Exhibit a mother’s tribute to son The Creightonian Online. Retrieved 6/6/07. The museum features pioneer-era historic photos, newspaper clippings and artifacts. 
Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett has been involved in a drive to renovate the structure.Minge, J. (nd) To give is devine: Buffett’s Philanthropy spreads to the Florence Mill. City Weekly. Retrieved 6/6/07.
==See also==
*History of North Omaha
==External links==
*Florence Mill - official site, includes museum information
*1920s picture of the Florence Mill.
*Florence Mill Chronology. HistoricFlorence.Com
==References==
Category:Buildings and structures in Omaha, Nebraska
Category:Flour mills in the United States
Category:Landmarks in North Omaha, Nebraska
Category:Mormon Trail
Category:Museums in Omaha, Nebraska
Category:Omaha Landmarks
Category:Latter Day Saint movement in Nebraska
Category:Mill museums in the United States
Category:History museums in Nebraska