This image project is based mostly on a tribute to the long time Aermotor windmill design and that overall engineering marvel than the best in image selection in the end. It’s also for those that may know farming, ranching and agricultural work first hand. My two brothers and I worked for many years starting out as pre-teens and lasted well into our 20’s in various agricultural industries. Including; citrus, strawberry, potato, alfalfa, wheat & hay, equestrian and poultry. The Aermotor windmills were used throughout those various work environments.
The units were originally manufactured starting out in the 1880’s at a location in Chicago which was also identified across the windmill tail sections on most of the units out there. The manufacturing was relocated a few times over the years and is presently located in San Angelo, Texas now. The connection to Texas is very strong for the product as one of the main southwestern installation teams was located in that state for many years. The softback book, “Blades In The Sky”, was written by B.H. “Tex” Burdick. His family’s business located in El Paseo, Texas installed the majority of the Aermotor windmill units throughout all the southwestern states and northern Mexico as well. Many years later and just by chance I worked with a person who actually knew B.H. “Tex” Burdick personally. Mr. Burdick who also enjoyed outdoor photography was known as the oldest Ham Radio operator when he passed away in 2004 at the age of 103.
If you find any connection to this theme at all please leave a comment.
Self Critique
I’ve always had an interest in these mechanical structures and their life support process for arid regions throughout the southwest.
Creative Direction
No real vision beyond a bit of history recall and the overall time spent tracking the structures down for photographs.
Paul: What a neat idea and a fine series. The various images certainly tell a tale about rural America. Kudos to you for the tribute and the effort.>=))>
Paul, I grew up with windmills. You pictures have the sounds of the blades spinning (most of them sqeaky) and the pump pumping playing in my head. All of your photos are great and they capture the “where” of windmills beautifully. I’m especially attracted to #4 and #11 with the light rain in 4 being such an important part of life in dry country and 11 catching the feel of the wide open spaces.
Mark, I do recall your previous comments about windmills some years back now. My project intent was to provide a bit of history and connection for anyone who could relate. Really glad you had the time to review the project. Thank you.
Your points on #4 & #11 are well taken. The #4 recall for me was an odd one. I was actually approached at the time during the very early morning sunrise time by a Fish & Game Warden out and about checking hunting licenses in the remote area. The #11 was published in the Inland Empire Magazine July 2024 edition. It was a fun take as on the top of that windmill sitting on one of the blades was a Meadowlark blasting away the entire time I was there. As quiet as things were I could clearly hear it throughout that silent pasture…
This is a fine group of images, Paul. Here in the Foothills, there are quite a number of them on long-established ranches. I am unsure how many on the are Aermotor windmills there are around here, but most certainly many of them are.
Preston, thank you for commenting. Although I know there are other brands out there I think the majority, especially in western states, are Aermotor units. I do know the product was made in various locations over the many years, but they have settled into the area of San Angelo, Texas these days…
I thought I would start off 2026 by taking a minute to comment on your wonderful series on these nostalgic windmills. What a fantastic series. Each one of the images is wonderful in their own right - great composition where the windmills are showcased beautifully.
Thank you also for the historical detail - I had not known the name/term of the “Aermotor” windmill before. But surely I’ve seen and photographed many myself around my local jaunts. In fact, I’ve watched so many of them deteriorate and dissappear through the years. It’s so cool that you have these all preserved in photographs.
Hard to pick a favorite as they are all excellent. But I think #11 is easily my favority simply because of the story being told. Interesting, the windmill is the smallest in the frame, but yet I think tells the biggest story. Love that one.
Lon, I really want to thank you for taking time to review this project and your very positive comment here too. Many of these go way back in my photographic journey overall. Yes #11 was and is special for me also. First was the actual event and the very LOUD Meadowlark singing out during the entire sunrise cycle. Secondly, was the fact it was published in our So Cal local Inland Empire Magazine some time back now…
The best goes out to you leading into this New Year. I hope you get a good turnout in May and you and whoever is able to make it have a wonderful outing in YNP…
