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AIR KING
______________ AERMOTOR
______________ BAKER
______________ CHALLENGE
______________ DEMPCO
______________ DEMPSTER
______________ DUPLEX
______________ ECLIPSE
______________ FAIRBURY
______________ STAR
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2nd WIND RANCHWINDMILLS |
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The windmill, itself, is one of the most significant inventions in American history. It is said that it had more to do with settling the West than the gun itself! Because of the windmill early pioneers and homesteaders were able to bring forth water from a land where it was scarcely flowing in rivers and streams: a land once known as the Great American Desert. |
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Windmills meant life. They meant life for the pioneers, the livestock and the crops that nourished them. Prior to the advent of electricity, harnessing the wind was the only way to pull water from the ground. Still used today windmills play an important part in the Sandhills of Nebraska and many other remote areas. Their value is priceless and their nostalgia is timeless. At one time there were over 300 windmill manufacturers but now only a few remain. The most photographed invention of all time the windmill and its romanticism will go on for eternity. | |
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There are over 24 complete windmills and approximately 10 near completion all standing at the 2nd Wind Ranch, each of them varying in age, make, size and shape. Every one of them has it’s own history. Each has been given a 2nd chance. Windmills that are on display range from the Air King to three different types of Star windmills made in Kendalville Indiana. More familiar names across the plains today consist of the Aermotor windmill and the Dempster. The 2nd Wind Ranch is also proud to own the largest windmill in Nebraska-a massive 20 ft. Aermotor. But there’s more yet to come. The plans are to have 125 windmills erected in 2 years making it the largest collection of windmill in the world!
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Read an Article on the Windmills in the Grand Island Independent! |
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