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Hermann Star Mills - East First Street - Hermann, Mo.
Hermann Star Mills was built by Henry Reitemeyer and Mattias Kochele in 1867, and was the first steam powered grist mill built in Hermann. Completed in the fall of 1867, it was first advertised in the "Hermanner Volksblatt" of March 21st. 1868. Reitemeyer was one of Hermann's more wealthy merchants. In 1860 he operated a water powered saw and grist mill as well as a general store. Hermann Star Mills was assesed at $14,750.00 in 1868 Although Reitemeyer was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1871, his milling business remained an important contribution to the economy of Hermann.
In 1880 a new steam engine was purchased at a cost of $7,000.00. In 1892 a listing of the machinery of the mill stated the a 125 horse power engine provided power for the machinery. It was also noted that the mill was lit by coal oil lanterns and there was no plumbing or heat. In 1898 a stove was placed in the office. By 1908 electricity and steam heat had been added. By 1917 the mill had city water.
After the demise of the milling business in the dark days of the depression, the mill went through a series of transformations including a cheese factory, furniture storage and paint store, and a pencil factory prior to becoming a machine shop under two different managements.
Hermann Star Mills - East First Street - Hermann, Mo.
Hermann Star Mills was built by Henry Reitemeyer and Mattias Kochele in 1867, and was the first steam powered grist mill built in Hermann. Completed in the fall of 1867, it was first advertised in the "Hermanner Volksblatt" of March 21st. 1868. Reitemeyer was one of Hermann's more wealthy merchants. In 1860 he operated a water powered saw and grist mill as well as a general store. Hermann Star Mills was assesed at $14,750.00 in 1868 Although Reitemeyer was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1871, his milling business remained an important contribution to the economy of Hermann.
In 1880 a new steam engine was purchased at a cost of $7,000.00. In 1892 a listing of the machinery of the mill stated the a 125 horse power engine provided power for the machinery. It was also noted that the mill was lit by coal oil lanterns and there was no plumbing or heat. In 1898 a stove was placed in the office. By 1908 electricity and steam heat had been added. By 1917 the mill had city water.
After the demise of the milling business in the dark days of the depression, the mill went through a series of transformations including a cheese factory, furniture storage and paint store, and a pencil factory prior to becoming a machine shop under two different managements.