Editor’s note: The photo of de Immigrant windmill was submitted by Jude Holesinger on behalf of Johan Van Dyke, a Miller from The Netherlands.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the windmill in Fulton, IL, Volunteer Millers at de Immigrant will host a program by Bob Newton. He will share the history of this impressive tourist attraction. His talk takes place Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Over two decades ago, Fulton’s de Immigrant windmill was built and assembled in The Netherlands. It then was taken apart and shipped to the United States in pieces. Dutch millwrights came to Fulton, to reassemble the structure; it was officially dedicated at Dutch Days in May 2000.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of having this remarkable structure in the Fulton community. In 2001, the millstones and canvas were added, and the windmill became a working facility. Although owned by the City of Fulton, the windmill is staffed by volunteer millers and other docents.
Bob Newton, above, serves as Fulton’s current Chief Miller. He was born in Oak Park, IL, but grew up in the western suburbs of Wheaton, and Maywood, IL. He worked in the construction industry for 46 years and retired as a Project Manager for American Electric as a 20-year union Electrician. In 1996, he was ordained a permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. Bob retired in 2017 and moved to Fulton. He began volunteering at de Immigrant in 2019, became a certified Miller in 2021, and was elected Chief Miller in 2022.
Please join us on Thursday, May 29, as Fulton honors its authentic windmill and those who keep it functioning. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation. The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. The event is free and open to the public.
If you have questions, please contact 563-249-6115.
