Annual Dillard Days Picnic is May 12 at Dillard Mill State Historic Site, Missouri
OutdoorHub 04.30.12
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources invites you to experience an early 1900s picnic at one of Missouri’s most scenic state historic sites. The annual Old Dillard Town Picnic will be held Saturday, May 12, at Dillard Mill State Historic Site near Davisville. This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With the red, water-powered gristmill and clear Huzzah Creek as a backdrop and bluegrass music played by Red Bridge filling the air, guests will truly feel as if they have stepped back in time at this annual picnic. Featured activities and old-time demonstrations include spinning and weaving, basket weaving, bee keeping, soap making, woodworking, atlatl demonstrations and a civil war en-campment. Food and beverages will be available to purchase.
The first floor of the mill will be open with staff available to answer questions. Dillard Mill, located five miles west of Viburnum and one mile south of Dillard Mill, off Highway 49 in Crawford County, is one of Missouri’s best-preserved examples of a water-powered gristmill. The mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s.
Concluding the annual picnic, the historic site will host an informational meeting beginning at 4 p.m. at the mill. Representatives from the historic site will be on hand to provide information about the facility and to answer questions. Agenda items will include an update regarding the facility, planned improvements at the site and a recap of the year’s accomplishments. The public is invited to attend and share comments about the facility and current operations. The informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the department to ensure the public has input on services and facilities offered in state parks and historic sites.
Dillard Mill State Historic Site, located five miles west of Viburnum and one mile south of Dillard, off Highway 49 in Crawford County, is one of Missouri’s best-preserved examples of a water-powered gristmill. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Dillard Mill State Historic Site at 573-244-3120 or the department toll-free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
