Worth Restoring?

[CluelessMillGal]

Guessing on age but we acquired the property in ‘88 and the windmill is original to house built in 1900.

A new house was built and the windmill was “locked” in place for about 20 years however the rope used (not my doing) snapped and the vane and platform around the mill have broken. Now I’m stuck and don’t know if I can/should restore it. It is unsafe as-is.

Details :
I do not want it to pump due to location.
I don’t need it to spin, but it would be nice.
There is no ladder inside to climb up anywhere, it’s at least 60’ tall. I.e. I need a boom.
The structure is 100% solid, just the top that’s a problem.
I’m trying to keep the 50+ year old grapevine wrapping around it.
It is less than 10 ft from the house and don’t want to move it since it’s the last original piece on the farm.
I’m handy and creative, but this might be out of my league. Maybe…


Questions:
1) Can I diy locking in the top with a chain? Ideas?
2) If I outsource it, any guess on restoration costs? Cosmetic repair of the top: Platform, vane, windmill. I.e. is this worth restoring?
4) Any guesses on type/brand?

[Wayne]

I think it is a Baker Manufacturing Co. windmill. Built in Evansville Wis. I first thought a W series model. I'm not 100% sure I'm right. Others will know. Any old mill is worth restoring because of the history. There are parts out there for baker Mills. I'd say go forward with your plans. The wheel looks to be in good shape. The blades can be straightened.

[CluelessMillGal]

Thanks for the quick reply! I’d love to keep it, just not sure what I’m in for in terms of restoration. It is the show piece of the lot for sure. Glad to hear it isn’t a lost cause. Will be curious on others thoughts too.

[windybob]

Looks like a WC Monitor like Wayne said. 8 ft fan, 5 sections. It's on a stub tower, it can be removed with a crane type device. It was made in 1941 or after. Verticle style tail, turntable on the tower top. UNless the case itself is cracked or broken, it is rebuildable. Parts are everywhere. The tailpin appears to be worn through, causing the tail to fall away. Personally, I like the looks of a tower more than a vine covering it. Looks like a different tower than made by Monitor, but can't see too much of it. There may be a ladder of sorts, but the vines are covering a lot of it.
Depends on how mwchanically inclined you are to do it yourself. Need a crane to take it down, once its on the ground you can deal with it. I personally would not tackle that rebuild while it's still on the tower.

[mtblah]

I agree with all of the above responses !
We have all seen windmills in a LOT worse condition resurrected so there is no such thing as too far gone.
What part of Minn are you located, there may be contact connections in your area
Mike B
New Braunsfels TX

[Kenneth]

I have never met a windmill that is not worth restoring. They all have history.

Kenneth I