Topaz Mill HDR

Topaz Mill was first established in 1840, in the small pioneer village of Topaz in rural Douglas County Missouri, which included a grocery store, barber shop, cannery, blacksmith shop, and post office. The current mill was built in 1896. The mill produced both flour and corn meal, and is powered by Topaz Spring, with a daily flow of 11 million gallons. Topaz Mill has been kept in good working condition by the owners, who will often open the mill to give visitors a view of the inside. The owners were not around when I visited yesterday, so I didn't get to see or photograph the insides. When I left, I found them on a hillside, picking up black walnuts. I stopped and spoke with them and they were very friendly, repeatedly offering to let me help them pick up walnuts. ; ) The waterwheel is located on the back side from this perspective, but I will try to bring you more shots of the mill and spring.

Next weekend is our annual photography contest in Seymour, which I have never entered, but intend to this year. I am considering the above photo of Topaz Mill, my Greer Spring image, and perhaps my "Neighbors" photo of the pair of little Tennessee homesteads. I believe I will only be able to enter one photo. Any suggestions on which one I should enter?

view large