Geoff Ladd, director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, is also the head of the Save the Mill organization. At Saturday's celebration, he kicked off the afternoon and evening of events with a presentation of awards to those who have contributed so much to The Mill's restoration.

Pictures by Nila Smith

Ninety-two-year-old Ernie Edwards is the founder of the Pig Hip Restaurant. Ladd said that Edwards approached him soon after he took the tourism position and said, "You have got to save The Mill," and thus the work began.

John and Lenora Weiss are two members of the Route 66 Association of Illinois who have dedicated much time to helping with restoration of The Mill.

State Sen. Larry Bomke also dropped in to congratulate Ladd and the other project volunteers for the work they have accomplished thus far.

At 4 p.m., the infamous Blossom Huffman suddenly appeared. As she laughed and visited with folks, she urged them to "come on in!" so they could eat a bite.

Along with the Weisses, several members of the state association volunteered to build new sails for the windmill. Ladd recognized all those members of the association who had come to Lincoln to celebrate The Mill's anniversary.

Throughout the day, folks were able to stop by the concession stand at the front of The Mill for a cold drink, fries or even a "pronto pup."

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Inside, Huffman visits with the crowd as Coonhound Johnny listens to her yarn another tale about being a lady and always keeping things on the up and up at The Mill. Later he will tell his own story of bootlegging, gambling and The Mill's association with Al Capone.

Just as she is preparing to show her guests out the back door, Blossom gets a surprise visit from her great-grandson Brian Huffman. Huffman tells Blossom that her famous schnitzel recipe is an important part of his restaurant, Hallie's on the square, and invites her to come on up and have a bite.

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