ELBERTA, Ala. — Saturday marked another milestone in the history of Baldwin County Heritage Museum. Our windmill, damaged in October of 2004 by Hurricane Ivan, was reassembled and is now in operating condition. The windmill is the logo and symbol of BCHM.  Baldwin County Heritage Museum relies on donations, grants and gifts to operate.  It is staffed entirely by volunteers. A calamity such as the damaged windmill is a major issue for this institution.

Charles Ebert , Jr., owner of  Ebert Insurance Agency of Foley has worked to keep the windmill in good order over the years and he provided the funds for this newest restoration. Ralph Veller, BCHM Vice Chair has spearheaded this project. The repair work has been done by Stacy Hussey of Elba, Alabama. John Schaff owner of  Foley Implement Co. of Foley  loaned the lift to raise the workers to the correct height. Lawrence Le Gault owner of  Boom &  Bucket Truck Crane Service of Orange Beach donated the use of his crane to lift the repaired unit  to the top of the tower. BCHM is deeply grateful for these men. Without their donations of  time, equipment and money the repairs could not have been made.

John &  Ruby Haupt donated the funds to purchase the windmill, an Aeromoter that was purchased from Mueller Pump, Conway, Ark. in 1985. They requested it be dedicated to their parents: Paul & Marie Haupt and Henry & Frances Vickers.

Bon Secour Fisheries brought the windmill to the museum on one of their company trucks. Southern Farm Supply provided the crane to erect the windmill tower. Alms Pump Service put the well down. Original volunteers that helped erect the windmill included Larry Engle, Steve Bailey, Richard Peterson, Joe Bouzan, Charles Koehler Jr., Charlie Ebert, Jr., Ronnie Torres & Godbee Smith.