The very first mechanical ceiling fans were built before the common use of electricity. During this time a central source of power was common. That source was typically a water turbine or steam engine. Small water motors were employed in the cities to run fans but also sewing machines, dentist tools, and printing presses. The widespread use of the city water this way helped expedite its metering and ended its use for power generation.

It seems as though many cities had their own companies that produced water motors and the machines they powered. Fans were widely used not only to cool and ventilate but also to keep flies away. From this era the different companies poured out numerous designs. Very few actual belt fans have remained but the old catalogs show us how unusual they were compared to their modern descendants.

Woolen Mill sees the modern use of these unique objects as aesthetically pleasing and practical. While they will move air their chilling effect isn't as noticeable as with modern fans. The blades can be set at any angle. 45 degrees is the optimal angle for air movement. They can be reversed in the winter to push down warmer air that has risen to the ceiling. The two large blades will move as much air as the smaller multiple blade models however these fans are made to run at slower speeds of 40 to 100 rpm.