The historic flour mill, 10 minutes south of Oamaru, was built in 1866 and is New Zealand’s only surviving flour mill that was originally water-powered.
About 100 people took the guided tour, including Jane Thompson, of Oamaru, whose great-grandfather and grandfather used to work at the mill, her parents Mary and Francis and her mother’s cousins, Anne Bain and Rosalie Mather, who remembered playing in the mill when their father and grandfather were working there.
"It’s lovely to come back ... I remember we’d play in amongst all of this [flour mill] when it was running too. This is when we were at primary school," Mrs Bain said.
The mezzanine features photo boards and detailed equipment information with more information on the history of Clarks Mill.
Ms Thompson said the family enjoyed seeing all the photographs of their ancestors, including of her grandfather, Leo Oldham.
Stationary engines on show from the North Otago Vintage Machinery Club were on display and the miller’s house and Smokey’ Joe’s, a speakeasy in prohibition times, are also open with historic displays.
The open days at Clarks Mill are in partnership with the North Otago Vintage Machinery club and tours run until the end of April.
— Jules Chin, Cadet reporter
