The Peotone Historical Society was formed in July, 1982.
The Peotone Mill, formerly known as the H. A. Rathje Mill, was built in 1872. its listed on the Will County National Register of Historic Places and also the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore this unique structure, the tallest structure in Peotone, by going all the way up to the 5th floor where you are able to view the gears. Inside of the mill features antiques, mill artifacts and an entire museum displaying vintage memorabilia from the Village of Peotone and surrounding area. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase t-shirts, post cards, coozies and other unique gifts and crafts to remember your visit to the Peotone Mill.
The Mill is open every Sunday from May to the end of October, 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Admission is free. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per adult, and donations are greatly appreciated.
The Peotone Mill, formerly known as the H. A. Rathje Mill, was built in 1872. its listed on the Will County National Register of Historic Places and also the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore this unique structure, the tallest structure in Peotone, by going all the way up to the 5th floor where you are able to view the gears. Inside of the mill features antiques, mill artifacts and an entire museum displaying vintage memorabilia from the Village of Peotone and surrounding area. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase t-shirts, post cards, coozies and other unique gifts and crafts to remember your visit to the Peotone Mill.
The Mill is open every Sunday from May to the end of October, 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Admission is free. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per adult, and donations are greatly appreciated.
Our Mission Statement: The Mission of the Peotone Historical Society is to make all Peotone citizens aware of our history, collecting, preserving and sharing materials and human experiences, so that the present and future generations can comprehend more fully their predecessors, their communities and themselves. The Peotone Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization that strives to instill in residents of all ages an appreciation of the village's past, and promotes the preservation of the cultural, economic, and aesthetic heritage of Peotone for the future.
Our Vision Statement: The vision of the Peotone Historical Society, the official archive of our towns history, is to:
Our Vision Statement: The vision of the Peotone Historical Society, the official archive of our towns history, is to:
- Encourage Public engagement through exhibits, educational programs, social media, activities, and events for all ages.
- offer a beautiful, unique setting at the Peotone Mill, and encourage discovery for everyone of all ages.
- continue to preserve Peotone,s past, its continued growth, achievements, and milestones.
Although Henry A. Rathje is credited with building the windmill, it was his father, Frederick, together with Christoph Elling, who agreed to construct the Mill. This information is found on a warranty deed dated July 3, 1871. According to an 1873 reference in Combination Atlas Maps of Will County Illinois, the "wind grist mill was erected in 1872 by Messrs. Elling & Rathje and contains two run of stones, and is doing a successful and satisfactory business". An account of the Rathje family contained in the 1900 Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County, Illinois state; "In 1874 he (H. A. Rathje) married Miss Wilhelmina Luhmann, a native of Hanover, Germany. After his marriage he engaged in the milling business, acquiring the grist mill in Peotone, a wind mill, which he operated for twelve years". A recently discovered copy of an actual mill invoice states that Henry's business was established in 1874 and lists him as the proprietor.
The Peotone Historical is located inside of the Peotone Mill.
It's located just west of downtown Peotone. Peotone Historical Society 427 W. Corning Ave. PO Box 87 Peotone, IL 60468 |
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