After 30 years of restoring and making wooden windmills, Marvin Baker doesn't want to see the old art die. So, at 86, he hopes to find a younger windmill enthusiast to take over his business.

"I was a farmer, and when I retired and started working on windmills as a hobby," he says, noting that a nephew who worked on windmills encouraged him.

Baker created patterns based on photos of windmill models (such as Dempster No. 3 and No. 4, and Baker L) used in Nebraska, that were working windmills providing water. He purchased Cyprus wood and cut it to create 1/4-in. thick blades, then figured out how to place ash wood pieces between the blades at the right angle to catch the wind, and finally bolt the sections together in perfect balance.

In the beginning, he installed his creations in his rural Pender, Neb., yard. They attracted attention and buyers. Many customers came from northeast Nebraska and Northwest Iowa. Several of Baker's windmills are in a collection in Jackson, Neb. Others preserve family heritage, like one Baker restored for a Sioux City, Iowa, customer.

Some of Baker's windmills have shipped to other states including Texas and New Hampshire.

"They could be set up to pump water, but most windmills are for ornaments," Baker says. He has painted them in a variety of colors at customers" requests. The most popular combination is white blades with red tips. John Deere fans favor yellow and green.

Since the work is getting more difficult as he gets older, Baker says he has slowed down and plans to just finish current projects. He isn't interested in new work, but would love to hear from anyone interested in buying and taking over the business.