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Rheenendal watermill
Swellendam district, Western Cape
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| Frederick Jacobus van Eeden commenced building in the 1870s but it took some ten years to become operational as the milling machinery had to be imported from Europe. It was one of only four mills in the entire south-western district, and is now the only one still standing. The original wheel was of Cape teak (kiaat Strychnos decussata) but was replaced with an overshot iron wheel manufactured by the Cardigan Engineering Company of Wales, UK. Of interest is that the first and last millers were men, but all the others were widows. The mill became redundant when an electric mill was built in town in 1937. It then served as an electrical sub-station to supply the surrounding farms with power. When Eskom power became available in 1956 it became home to farm labourers until 1969 when the earthquake of that year caused serious structural damage, also destroying the chimney and hearth. Thereafter it's served as a fodder store. In 1977 it was declared a National Monument (since 2000 a Provincial Heritage Resource). In 1989 it was restored and has served as a bistro, restaurant and pub. At present (2025) it is closed. References:
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