The remains
of the windmill dominate the skyline at the edge of Alexanderkrone. It is the only
remaining evidence of the mills that the Mennonites once used to grind flour and was still
in use in 1952. This is of the Dutch style, according to Rudy Friesen, with 4 blades and
a dome-shape roof that rotated with the wind. Earlier windmills were of a Prussian
style, made of wood in which the entire structure rotated.
The structure itself is in quite good shape, including the massive gears and drive
system inside. It is likely to remain an icon for visiting Mennonites for some time
to come. |