This device was a water impeller used to power the historic Gray’s Mill, located at River and Mill Streets. For its time, this impeller was cutting edge and and considerably more efficient than the wagon wheel shaped mill wheels most of us associate with water powered milling. As you can see, there’s little decor surrounding this historic item and no signage to identify it. And plenty of room for flower beds around it.

Are you ready to support your community?

The Montgomery Foundation is a concept designed to increase self-sufficiency and to encourage community awareness. We have a great community, and we all know it can be greater still. Will you help us? Contact us now to learn more about how you can help give back to the community we love: Montgomery.

Did You Know?

Did you know Montgomery has earned many statewide, regional and national awards? Here are just a few: 3rd Place National Winner, Neighborhood Watch and National Sheriff’s Association.

Project Details

  • This is not currently a project of the Montgomery Foundation, but it is an historic item of great interest.
  • The area around it could certainly be made more beautiful and, perhaps become a downtown attraction.

  • Proper signage could help people understand this historic part of Montgomery and the important economic role it played.

Common Objectives

  • Develop a plan to make this a tourist point of interest.
  • Partner with other area stakeholders including the Fox Valley Park District.

  • Verbalize the history of this item and the importance of the historic Gray’s Mill to this area.

  • Help visitors  understand what water powered mills were used for and why they were so popular.

  • Stop the deterioration of this priceless artifact and transform it into a point of community pride.

Project Gallery

Historical Footnote

Visible and tangible pieces of history such as this are too precious to let go unnoticed and unappreciated.