Wikipedia:
Florence Mill, also known as the Weber Mill, is located at 9102 North 30th Street near the 30th Street exit on Interstate 680 in the Florence community in North Omaha, Nebraska. It was built in 1846 and operated into the 1960s. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Weber Mill in 1998. The mill is also known as the Mormon Mill, Grist Mill, and Old Pink Mill.
Brigham Young supervised construction by the Mormon pioneers of Winter Quarters, and today the Florence Mill is reportedly the only surviving building to have been built by the Mormons. The settlers needed a mill to grind corn, wheat, and rye to create cornmeal and flour products. Constructed next to Turkey Creek, later called Mill Creek, which flowed into the Missouri River, the original structure was deserted in 1846. A new mill was built in 1847 at the cost of $3000. Brigham Young sold this mill to John Neff, who deserted it when he moved to Salt Lake City.
Alexander Hunter began operating the Mill in 1856, helping to fill the demands of the new town of Florence, founded in 1854 on the old site of Winter Quarters. He tore down the original mill, reusing some of the good timbers to build a new mill.
Jacob Weber acquired the Mill around 1870, replacing water-powered machinery with new steam-powered equipment. The Weber family operated the Florence Mill continuously for over 104 years, contributing to the development of the milling industry between the last half of the nineteenth century into the twentieth century. The Weber’s business was long considered to be the longest operating business in Nebraska.
Today the Mill is operated as the Winter Quarters Mill Museum and ArtLoft Gallery. The museum features pioneer-era historic photos, newspaper clippings and artifacts.
Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett has been involved in a drive to renovate the structure.
Nebraska State Historical Society:
The Weber Mill is located in the Florence neighborhood in north Omaha. Under the continuous operation of the Weber family for over 104 years it was considered to be the longest operating business in Nebraska. The property has significantly contributed to the milling industry and its changing technology from the last half of the nineteenth century into the twentieth century.
All about Omaha:
During the time of the Mormon settlement in the area, they needed a mill to grind corn, wheat, and rye to create cornmeal and flour products. The original mill was constructed next to a creek that flowed into the Missouri River. It was deserted when the Mormons moved on. Eventually, the mill was torn down and some of the good timbers were used to build a new mill in the area. Surprisingly, that mill still stands, though it is no longer operational as a mill. The mill operated until the 1960s. The building is next to the 30th street exit from Interstate-680 and the Mormon bridge that spans the Missouri River. Travelers along I-680 crossing the Mormon Bridge saw it as the “pink building” in the 1970s. The mill has now been turned into an art gallery by a local artist. Tours are available by appointment (402-551-1233) however during Florence Days and during River City Roundup, the mill is a beehive of activity for tours, art exhibits, and story telling. If you have children, bring them to the special Chataquas (story telling) sessions during Florence Days. The children get to be involved in most cases, and this alone makes them remember these significant historic events.
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