Near Beloit in Rock County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

How-Beckman Mill

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

1. How-Beckman Mill Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1868 by William How, the How-Beckman grist mill stands along Raccoon Creek where a distillery and sawmill were once located. In 1882 the Beckman family purchased the property. German-born August Beckman operated the turbine-powered mill, followed by his sons Henry and Charles. Reaching peak production in the early twentieth century, the mill was enlarged in the 1920s and served as the local commercial and social center. Milling operations ceased in 1954. The How-Beckman Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Erected 1997. (Marker Number 353.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 42° 30.6′ N, 89° 10.193′ W. Marker is near Beloit, Wisconsin, in Rock County. Marker is on County Highway H, 0.1 miles east of West Smith Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11450 South County Highway H, Beloit WI 53511, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Beckman Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln (approx.

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6.9 miles away); Black Hawk at Turtle Village / The U.S. Military at Turtle Village (approx. 6.9 miles away); Roy Chapman Andrews (approx. 6.9 miles away); Beloit College (approx. 7.1 miles away); Rasey House (approx. 7.1 miles away); Afton Community Church (approx. 8.3 miles away); Wisconsin's First Aviator (approx. 9.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beloit.

Also see . . . Friends of Beckman Mill. (Submitted on September 11, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

2. How-Beckman Mill Marker

The mill is in the background. The park is a popular place for gatherings, including weddings.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

3. How-Beckman Mill Marker

An apparent mill stone is at the foot of the marker.

How-Beckman Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

4. How-Beckman Mill

This is a closeup of the west side of the mill.

How-Beckman Mill Machinery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

5. How-Beckman Mill Machinery

This is a closeup of some machinery (an axle, wheels, and belt system) on the west side of the mill.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

6. How-Beckman Mill

The mill is on the right, with a new dam on the mill stream on the left.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

7. How-Beckman Mill Machinery

An apparent turbine on the grounds of the mill.

How-Beckman Mill Stream image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

8. How-Beckman Mill Stream

This is apparently a turbine inlet for the mill.

Beckman Mill Park Exhibit image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

9. Beckman Mill Park Exhibit

This is a closeup of a sawmill exhibit at the park.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

10. Beckman Mill Park Exhibit

A view of the track on the sawmill exhibit.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

11. Beckman Mill Park Exhibit

A closeup of the label on the sawmill machinery: Made by Crabb Gas Engine Co., Independence, Iowa

Beckman Mill Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 10, 2011

12. Beckman Mill Park Sign

This sign is at the entrance to the park.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on September 11, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.