Farmers Mill and Elevator, Inc., Castle Rock, family-owned for 70 years by third generation.
SMALL TOWN GRAIN elevators, like barns, beckon me to photograph them, for I fear that these skyscrapers of the prairie, as some have called them, will someday vanish.
Recently, on a pass through Castle Rock, an unincorporated village located about six miles north of Northfield in Dakota County, I spotted Farmers Mill and Elevator, Inc.
The grey of the elevator complex matched the grey skies in a landscape late in welcoming spring.
Despite that seasonal indifference over which we possess no control, I noticed the prevailing spirit of rural patriotism in an American flag stretching her stars and stripes in the brisk April afternoon wind.
Grey be gone. Red, white and blue flourishes, at least atop the grain elevator in Castle Rock.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love grain elevators, too!!! Another commonality!!! 🙂 When we went to Decorah I found some great farms to photograph—-and barns with quilts painted on them. Love those!
You’ll have to show us those farms and barns w/ quilts. Sounds like one more reason to visit Decorah.
“that seasonal indifference over which we possess no control” – that phrase really struck me this morning, as much as your photo!
Thank you, Kathleen. I always appreciate such specific comments from another writer. Sometimes I don’t even realize what I’ve written.
There was an old elevator downtown here in Wgtn for ages. A couple of years ago if faced demolition. Some people tried to convince the town that it could be transformed into an amazing climbing wall…but they weren’t convinced. I had mixed feelings when it came down. It was dreadfully dilapidated, but it was also kinda cool. My son once made up a Scooby Doo story with the elevator as the scene of “those meddling kids” mystery. It was sad, really, to see it go, despite the fact that it was falling apart. And yes, I kept the Scooby Doo story that Ian wrote!
I was just going to ask about the story. So Ian is the writer in the family then? I love old elevators, but sometimes it is not possible to save them.
I don’t know if he is or not. He’s begun two stories…emphasis on “begun”
That’s my Daddy’s! He is 76, he goes to work everyday with my brothers and nephews. #75yearsinbusiness #grainlife #buildingalegacy #prouddaughter
You should be proud. Thanks for taking the time to share your personal connection, Maria.
Hi Audrey-
My mother in law’s father, Wilfred Auge, was the original owner of the Farmers Mill and Elevator. My mother is law in retiring and we are looking for a print of the elevator as a gift. Would you be willing to share this file? It is a wonderful photo! Thanks. Melanie
Melanie, I will email you. Thanks for your kinds words regarding this image.