[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SMOKY VALLEY ROLLER MILL

 Mr. MARSHALL. Madam President, I rise today to honor, 
recognize, and celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Smoky Valley 
Roller Mill in Lindsborg, KS.
  On October 14, 1897, the Smoky Valley Roller Mill went up in flames, 
and while the communities' efforts to fight the fire saved the town, 
the mill was lost. One week later, Theodore Teichgraeber, owner of the 
mill, vowed to rebuild. By May of 1898, the mill was back in operation 
turning wheat into flour. The Smoky Valley Roller Mill would serve as a 
vital agricultural and commercial hub to Lindsborg and the surrounding 
region for over a half century, as the mill was in operation from 1898 
to 1955 under the leadership of the Teichgraeber, Hagstrom, and Runbeck 
families.
  Through the efforts of community members and the leadership of Malcom 
Esping, Mary Borg, and George Teserek in particular, the historic mill 
and original equipment were restored and preserved throughout the 
1960s, `70s, and `80s. Through their hard work, Smoky Valley Roller 
Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The 
mill continues to be in good, working condition under the ownership of 
the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum and continues to 
serve as a historical treasure, cultural center, and landmark of the 
community. In fact, it is the only operable flour mill in the Midwest 
still using roller mills.
  This year marks the 125th anniversary since Smoky Valley Roller Mill 
was rebuilt, and the city of Lindsborg will be celebrating the Mill's 
quasquicentennial anniversary at their annual Millfest on May 6, 2023.
  I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 125th 
anniversary of the Smoky Valley Roller Mill, as well as celebrate all 
those who have contributed to the mill's 125 years of history and 
success.

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