In My Heart Photography

                                 Step Back In Time

                       With In My Heart Photography

                                         DAWT MILL

When Jeff and Shannon hired In My Heart Photography last spring we were super excited to learn that their wedding reception would be held at Dawt Mill in Tecumseh, Missouri.  It would be another adventure for us!

    We arrived at Dawt Mill early and after touching base with our bride and groom we entered the mill where we were greeted by two of the mill’s managers.  After introducing ourselves, Sandy Steel graciously gave us a tour and told us some of its history. 

    Originally a mill had been built on the property as early as 1866.  That mill was burned down by a ten year old boy who was paid $10.00 by a rival mill to burn it!  The land was then bought by Alva Hodgson who rebuilt the mill.  Over the years the mill has survived multiple floods, the depression and has had multiple owners.

    Sandy explained that Dawt Mill is the only working mill in the area.  Unfortunately the dam is broken and renders the mill inoperable.  They hope the dam will be fixed so that the mill can run again as it did many years ago. 

    There has been some restoration and one room was added to the mill but they kept as much of it original as possible.  Sandy pointed out the original wood flooring complete with a few hole repairs done with tin can lids!  There are original pieces of the mill scattered throughout the property enhancing the unique beauty of the mill. 

    At the turn of the century the mill was a busy community.  There was a grocery store, post office, blacksmith shop, saw mill, cotton gin, roller mill, a few houses and a church.  Today the general store is still open.  The cotton gin is gone but the building has been turned into a beautiful cedar lodge called the Cotton Gin Inn.  Dawt mill also offers several small cabins and there is a campground as well. 

    Entertainment includes fishing, canoe rentals for float trips, a restaurant, campfires and the Gravel Bar where you can enjoy concerts and Karaoke. Small groups are hosted at Dawt Mill and many come back every year.  It also hosts meetings, receptions, reunions and other events.  Events like Jeff and Shannon’s wedding reception! 

    The wedding reception was held in the evening on the deck at the back of the mill.  The view was spectacular looking over the White River with its waters rushing from the North Fork.  The sound of the water was mesmerizing, so relaxing to listen to.  The deck was the perfect place for the reception.  There were multiple tables and chairs but plenty of space to move around and a place to dance.  Dawt Mill catered and served a dinner that was absolutely delicious!  The staff were so friendly and very helpful. 

    There was so much beauty and history at Dawt Mill providing In My Heart Photography plenty of photographic opportunities with our bride and groom.  We would highly recommend Dawt Mill for a relaxing weekend get-away, a family reunion and of course for a wedding! 

                                      Check out Dawt Mill at www.DawtMill.com
                                        8 Dawt Mill Dr.  Tecumseh, Mo.  65760
                                        Phone:  888-884-3298 or 417-284-3540