The Guenther Mill The Guenther Mill was a Grain producer business. In 1859, C. H. Guenther heard of the need for a gristmill and flourmill in Fredricksburg. After much success he expanded and built a store in San Antonio. It was built on the bank of the San Antonio river at the foot of the King William Street. Construction was started in 1851 and it opened in 1860. The mill provided for the small San Antonio area and out lying areas. It produced flour for the Confederate troops during the Civil War, but kept growing after the war was over. C. H. Guenther put his image on each cloth bag of flour with the words "El Viejo" meaning "Old Man" in Spanish. By 1899 the mill was turning out the brand names of "White Wings" and "Texas Pioneer" which became "Pioneer" after a few years. Even though Guenther died, the mill continued to thrive. In 1922 a 20-story grain elevator and tower was built with a castle like top. At the time it was the tallest tower in the city and the southern United States. It is still standing in the King William area. The mill stayed in the family for many years, but after several non-family presidents had died Richard De Gregorio took over. He led the mill into the new ages with new and innovative products, like pancakes and seasoning mixes to a variety of no fat gravy and biscuit mixes. Bibliography: |