First Vosges starch factory 1833 (≈ 1833)
Construction in Fresse, regional pioneer.
vers 1865
Opening of starch
Opening of starch vers 1865 (≈ 1865)
Transformation of the mill into Beaudoin starch.
1967
Final closure
Final closure 1967 (≈ 1967)
Stop production of starch.
2007
Creation of the association Les Kémottes
Creation of the association Les Kémottes 2007 (≈ 2007)
Rehabilitation of the site in museum.
2012
Restoration of the water wheel
Restoration of the water wheel 2012 (≈ 2012)
Development of the hydraulic mechanism.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
M. Noël - Mayor of Harsault and farmer
Testimonial in 1868 on local agriculture.
Association Les Kémottes - Covered by volunteers
Rehabilitation of the mill since 2007.
Origin and history
The Moulin Gentrey, also known as the Beaudoin starch mill, was originally a mill producing tail oil before being turned into a starch mill around 1865. Located on the brook des Cailloux, this industrial site operated until 1967, becoming one of the last active starch factories of the Vosges. The quality of the local acidic water made it possible to produce a bright white starch, very popular, helping to make Vosges and Voge a major pole of this production since the 19th century.
The starch mill treated potatoes rich in starch, locally called Kemottes or Quemottes. The manufacturing process, visible today in the museum, followed a precise path: washing, grating, sieving, drying and packaging in jute bags. At its peak, the region had a dozen starch factories, including Bains-les-Bains, La Chapelle-aux-Bois and Gruey-lès-Surance, playing a key role in the local economy.
Since 2007, the association Les Kémottes has been working to rehabilitate the site and make it a center for the development of potato-related heritage. The museum exhibits time machines and tools, illustrating the stages of production and the historical importance of this industry in the Vosges. Harsault's starch industry is part of a recognized regional tradition, as Épinal's starch has received awards at universal exhibitions for its exceptional quality.
Moulin Gentrey also symbolizes 19th century rural industrial innovation, where hydraulic energy was central. The water wheel, restored in 2012, operated the machines and testified to the ingenuity of the techniques of the time. Today, the site combines heritage preservation, education and tourism, perpetuating the memory of an activity that marked the Vosges territory.
The archives mention local actors such as Mr.Noël, Mayor of Harsault and farmer, whose testimony in 1868 sheds light on the agricultural context of the time. The Noëlles-Chenimenil cooperative starch factory, documented at the Departmental Archives of Vosges, also illustrates the collective organization of this sector, essential for rural communities.
