Windmill Project | Grande Central Station Inc.

The Windmill Roadside Attraction

Windmill Roadside Attraction Narrative

Welcome to the Windmill Roadside Attraction, a Grande Central Station project, dedicated on September 11th, 2024.

This project began with the donation of the Thom Poor windmill, and it developed into a public art attraction you’re enjoying today.

Casa Grande’s agricultural history is featured by our windmill and its farm artifacts, along with the metal cows, clouds, sun, citrus and crop duster created by our local metal artist, Josh Smith.

Our Samson windmill was manufactured by Stover Manufacturing Co. in Rockford, Illinois between 1920s and 1942, and the F.E. Myers & Brothers farm hand pump in the 1930s. The hand pump, bucket and roadrunner are from the Poor Farm. Thom’s brand, “Heart Break,” has been branded on the cow’s left hip.

Look for Arizona Five C’s which were the economic drivers in the state in the early years: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate.

Crop dusting began in Arizona with Quick Dusting Company of Phoenix in the early 1940s. By 1948 crop dusters began operating in Casa Grande. The first Casa Grande crop dusting company had the unique capability to dust at night. Crop dusters continue to be active in Casa Grande and Arizona today.

The Arizona flag is nestled behind the crop duster.

The crop duster is spraying a cotton field. Picacho Peak and Table Top mountains are visible on the horizon.

Jude Cook, Cook & Company Signmakers in Tucson, installed all the signs in the Neon Sign Park and did the vast majority of the sign restorations. He replicated the Casa Grande neon lettering on the façade in the Neon Sign Park for our crop duster mural.

Also look for Buzz, the buzzard, who is resting at numerous locations in the downtown Arts and Culture District. The Historic Preservation Commission designated him as the neon sign park mascot in 2018, and some of his relatives have flown to three other downtown Arts and Culture District locations.

The windmill roadside attraction was fully funded by community members. While you’ve been here, we hope you’ve also enjoyed the award-winning Neon Sign Park, the rich history of Casa Grande’s signs, and the Central School plaques reminding you that Central School was on this campus from 1914 until its demolition in 1974. Take some photos while you’re here and thank you for stopping by.

Windmill Installation and Fence
Completed June 1 & 2, 2023

Thom Poor Memorial Plaque:
Installed on fence June 16, 2023

In memory of Thom Poor, his historic Stover/Samson 30-foot windmill was donated by the Poor family. It was restored and has been installed at the Arizona Plaza Building landscape pod at the corner of Sacaton Street and Florence Boulevard. The 2023 Summer issue of Pinal Ways magazine features a story on Thom Poor and his dedication as a volunteer at The Museum of Casa Grande, sharing his knowledge of area history with others, and using his talents in downtown beautification projects in a dedicated but unassuming and kindly manner.

Farm Hand Pump – Installed June 28, 2023