Batavia Public Library’s historic windmill was reinstalled Saturday, May 13, after a two-year absence for repairs.

Paul Behrends, owner of Paul’s Windmill & Crane Service in Foosland, IL, led the installaton and preparation of the mill’s tower.

The Challenge direct stroke machine, dating from the 1900s to the 1920s, was installed at the library in 2002 after donations by Jerry Rundle and Batavia Jaycees club.  The windmill was built by Challenge Wind Mill and Feed Mill Co., one of six windmill companies based in Batavia.

According to “Windmill City: A Guide to t the Historic Windmills of Batavia, Illinois,” the library’s windmill is among 18 windmills in the city.

The library is at 10 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia.

FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Paul Behrends, owner of Paul’s Windmill & Crane Service of Foosland, Ill., reinstalls Batavia Public Library’s historic windmill Saturday, May 13, after a two-year absence for repairs. (CREDIT: Al Benson photo)

SOURCE: Article submitted by Al Benson