The new water wheel as seen from across the water. September 11, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s a wonder what a water wheel can do. For a popular tourist stop in Waupaca, it means getting back to its roots.
For decades, Red Mill has been a favorite location in northeastern Wisconsin. A major restoration is looking to ensure that doesn’t change any time soon.
“I hope people appreciate it and come and feel inspired by coming here,” Don Schmidt, son of Red Mill’s original owner said.
From the moment it opened in 1855, Red Mill has held a special place in the hearts of many as a spot to eat ice cream, walk around, or even get married in the chapel. One of the original staples of the site was a waterwheel. That wheel is now getting an upgrade. The original, wooden version was lost to rot, and was entirely removed in 2018.
“Three, four months ago we begin fabrication,” Robert Vitale, owner of Waterwheel Manufacturing said. “It took that long to put the wheel parts together.”
It took about five years for the waterwheel at Red Mill to go from that to this, and while it wasn’t always an easy process, it’s one that those close to it say is absolutely worth it.
“It all fits right in,” Schmidt said. “The old fences down there, it all fits in. So, yep. It’s going back to the old days.”
At 89 years old, Schmidt has been around Red Mill for most of his life. He says the restoration is like preserving a bit of history.
“Bringing it back to life,” Schmidt said.
The project wouldn’t have been possible without Vitale. After the pandemic slowed and fundraising got underway, Red Mill’s owners reached out to Vitale, and he helped make the vision a reality.
“21st century manufacturing, manufacturing 20th century wheels,” Vitale said.
The old wheel hadn’t been functional since the 1960s. The new one is simply for aesthetic purposes.
“It’s more of a restoration and bringing back the smile, if you want, of what we used to do in the past,” Vitale said.
The owners have raised about $40,000 of the estimated $60,000 needed for the project. Those fundraising efforts are ongoing. For more information on the project, and to learn how you can donate, click here.
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