J.B. Buchanan Vintage Windmill Collection



 

The original collection waslocated just south of Spearman at Mr. Buchanan's homeplace.

J.B. Buchanan's passion for windmills began at age three.  That fascination manifested itself the day his mother frantically clambered up the rough boards of the Currie Mill on her Oklahoma ranch to retrieve her youngest son. 

That was in 1909.

In 1998, at age 92, J.B. climbed his last mill. At least it's the last one he admits to climbing -an 89 year old habit is hard to break.  (*see note)

J.B.'s passion became the town's pride and joy when he decided to relocate the collection to a five acre plot of land, donated by some local businessmen.  "I'll miss them," he said of the mechanical giants.  "I've loved them all my life."

The move was a logical one.  Mr. Buchanan has been solely responsible for their care and maintenance for more than thirty years.  The landmarks will be carefully disassembled, and one by one, the cluster that marked this flat Panhandle horizon will become a priceless display on the edge of Spearman, Texas.

J.B.'s grandson, Roger, together with some area promoters, began the Southwestern Pioneer Windmill Association.  This association is open to anyone who loves and appreciates the heritage of windmills, no matter where they live.

 
*In the summer of 2000, very close to J.B's 94th birthday, members of the Amalgamated Windmill Workers raised a few windmills and J.B. had this photo taken just before he climbed atop.
Many of the mills have been restored and moved to their new locations at the J.B. Buchanan Windmill Park, as the community gets ready to host the International Windmill Tradefair 2002.
There are currently 24 mills standing throughout the city.
The newly completed Lighted Windmill Walking Trail (below),  was an $800,000.00 grant project by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the City of Spearman, the Spearman Independent School District, and the Southwestern Pioneer Windmill Association..  The land was donated by Mr. Ralph Blodgett, former Spearman mayor and a dedication was held on Friday, October 12, 2001.
Pictured are Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Blodgett as State Representative Warren Chisum cuts the ribbon.

What's New with the Southwestern Pioneer Windmill Association
by
Dwayne Mitchell

Before You Go