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Thank you for stopping by one of Eastern Washington's coolest little flour mills. Please take a look around and meet the family that works out of the mill, see what secrets the mill holds, and what Pataha and the area around it have to offer.
Located in the heart of the Palouse country of Washington State, long famous for growing wheat on a large scale, the Pataha Flour Mill obtained notoriety for its flour of high gluten content.
The 3-story wooden frame mill originally used water power from Bihlmaier Creek using turbines to run two sets of granite millstones. In 1889, the mill changed over to a roller operation when the mill was enlarged. The historic mill, which has been known most of its existence as the Houser Mill, produced flour that was in demand locally and in distant markets such as San Francisco, where it was used in the manufacture of macaroni.
The mill closed its doors to milling flour in 1943, although much equipment remains in excellent condition today. Work on bringing the mill back to a condition where it could once again be open to the public began in summer 1998. In addition to tours, the mill includes a gift shop, restaurant, and a historic camera collection.
The family who owns the mill today, the Van Vogt's, also offers a community church services, and simple, home-style meals several times a week for whatever donation the customer wishes to bestow. The mill is run as a non-profit community-based ministry, not as a business. The family is very involved in the small community of Pataha, and hopes to build a better world starting at the place where they live and work, the Pataha Flour Mill. The Mill is looking for an antique elevator that is in working condition. Gifts to the Mill are tax deductible, so please feel free to contact us.
The Flour Mill is in need of barn boards. Please contact us via phone or email at patahaflourmills@gmail.com |
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