The Last Star Mill

The original star solid-wheel windmill was the second most popular wooden windmill on the southern Great Plains from the 1880's through the 1920's.  Invented by David C. Walling in 1878, it was marketed by Flint, diameters from ten to twenty-six-feet.

Tattered and torn this aging symbol of the settlement of the Great Plains is fast disappearing.  The wind tears at their remains and as the wooden mills wear out, they are replaced by pumps.

There are a few ranches where preservation of our western heritage is important.   Where they still take the wagon out.  Where cowboying is still done the traditional way, "dragging calves to the fire."  Where an effort is made to keep the Star Mill working, not because it is the best or the easiest way to do it; but, because they care.  Too soon, the sun will set on "The Last Star Mill", and not long after that, the last cowboy.  A way of life will end.