DECEMBER 2014 • NEBRASKAland 31
Due to the rationing of raw materials
during World War II, the factory halted
production but continued to provide
windmill-related services. George's
son Arthur took over the business in
the 1940s and kept it in operation until
his death in 1991. Heirs of the factory
donated it to the museum's non-profit
organization in 1993. In order to
preserve the interior contents from
structural damage, a protective outer
shell was built around the factory in
2011.
Visible fingerprints among dust
show the items have not been moved
from their original location. A note
remains on the desk from Arthur's
wife, Louise, asking if he had made an
appointment to have his ears cleaned.
Detailed ledgers line the shelves –
many written with pencils sharpened
to nearly nothing and saved with a
collection of others like it reiterating
the utter frugality of the times. Visitors
have remarked the factory is extremely
well-preserved; it appears as though the
workers had just stepped out for lunch.
There is such a tremendous amount
of history in the location, even the
factory outhouse situated in the
Nebraska City
The Kregel Windmill Museum is one
of 14 museums located in historic
Nebraska City.
Fingerprints prove that most items inside the Kregel Windmill Museum are as they were left last,
and remain intact and untouched. Unlike other museums, dust is part of the charm.
