Prairie Pumpers

International Windmill Trade Fair coming to Kansas

Swiftly turning blades atop soaring towers have long claimed residence to the Midwest skyline. There presence sprung from necessity, but now the windmill is an icon of agriculture and rural life on the plains. Evoking thoughts of days gone by and sometimes satisfaction that certain things never change.

The history and people behind these water pumping structures are almost as iconic as the windmill itself. Windmillers, dealers, restorers, collectors and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond, will soon unite at the 21^st Annual International Windmillers’ Trade Fair, June 3-5 in El Dorado, Kan.

“The purpose of the Trade Fair and Convention is to buy, sell, trade, show and talk about water pumping windmills,” said organizer Chuck Jones of Benton, Kan.  “Some bring their junk iron to sell, some come to buy the junk iron.  Others come to see all the different kinds of Windmills and to learn more about them.  About a third of attendees are full time windmillers, a third collectors, and the other third just like windmills and the other items that go with it.”

The loosely organized group of steadfast windmillers has met in many locations over the years, but never before in Kansas. “We are really looking forward to the windmillers coming,” said Darla Stewart of the El Dorado Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They’re really a great group of people with good camaraderie. They swap and trade parts, share stories and pictures of unearthing windmills and learn about what the others are doing.”

The trade fair will feature historical tours, social events and all-day vending. A lecture will be presented by noted windmill historian, T. Lindsay Baker. Baker is the author of “A Field Guide to American Windmills” which is considered to be the windmillers’ bible and the most comprehensive book on the subject.

The event will also include a watercolor class taught by windmill enthusiast and coordinator of the Shattuck Windmill Museum in Shattuck, Okla., Phillis Ballew. Attendees can also experience Kansas agri-tourism with a visit to Walters Pumpkin Patch. A new addition to the event this year will be the ladies tour of locally owned stores.

When it comes to windmills, it’s no secret that Kansas has plenty to showcase. Guests will have the opportunity to experience first hand the antique windmill restoration process through a visit to Joe and Donna Harper’s farm near Sedgwick, Kan. Joe began restoring his first windmill in the early 1980’s, since then his collection has flourished to reach over 40, about half of which are restored and displayed on the farm. “There’s just something about windmills that fascinates me,” he said. “A lot goes into the restoration process. They are usually a broken pile of junk at first and piece by piece it comes together.”

Joe’s wife Donna has seen firsthand the dedication that goes into restoring a windmill. “Joe’s meticulous about every detail, right down to the perfect shade of color to be historically accurate,” she said. “It takes time to find the missing parts or in some cases make the part himself. It’s a tedious process but the end result is worth it. They’re just beautiful.”

The Harper’s windmill collection includes a multitude of brands and models, several of which are very rare.  “You never know what you’re going to find,” Joe said. “Every windmill has its own story, and we’re excited to have the International Windmillers coming out to see our collection and learn about the restoration.”

It takes time, skill and knowledge to become a seasoned windmill restorer like Joe. A new feature of the trade fair this year will be a series of restoration demonstrations. Experts will explain techniques and processes used to restore antique windmills to their original state. “For those not as experienced, or who are just starting restoration, the demonstrations will be a great help,” Harper said. “It’s important for these skills to be passed on to others and to younger generations if the trade is going to continue.”

With roughly 200 registrations already received and high expectations for walk-in attendees, the planning committee is optimistic about not only about the upcoming trade fair, but the overall future of the organization and event as well.  “The communities have always been very receptive of our group,” Joe said. “We continue to bring in new people and others continue to come back year after year. It’s an energizing event to be around other people who are so enthusiastic and passionate about it.”

The International Windmillers Trade Fair will kick off at the Butler County 4-H Fairgrounds in El Dorado, Kan. at 8:00 a.m. with registration and vending. For more information about the event and a complete schedule of activities visit www.internationalwindmilltradefair.org.