The Pustoshkin water mill is located in the village of Abashevo, Khvorostyansky District, Samara Region. It was built at the end of the 19th century according to the design of a German engineer. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the first mention of the mill is found in the list of populated areas of the Samara province for 1889, published in Samara in 1890.

### History and construction

The mill was built by V.G. Pustoshkin, the owner of land in this area. First, a deep foundation was laid, after which the building began to be erected. The brick building of the mill, consisting of three floors, was built taking into account strength and stability: the walls of the first floor are more than a meter thick, which gives the building strength and durability. There were lanterns on the roof for lighting, and in the evening, light was provided by a dynamo. The equipment of the mill was imported from Switzerland, and the bricks were delivered from a local brick factory.

### Description and architecture

The mill building has three floors, and two additional buildings adjoin the eastern side: one with a fire escape, the other with an engine room. The mill began operating in 1905 and continued its work during the Soviet era. Miller Veniamin Obukhov worked at the mill for almost fifty years, preserving its design and operating principle, which remained unchanged.

### Current state

Unfortunately, in recent decades, the mill building has fallen into disrepair. In 2014, all the wooden filling of the mill burned down, and now only memories remain of the historical equipment. Previously, there was also a manor house, which was eventually dismantled for bricks.

### Geographical location

The mill is located in the village of Abashevo, Khvorostyansky district, Samara region, on Naberezhnaya street. Location coordinates: 52.691957, 48.668642. Abashevo was founded in 1776 on the Chagra River by people from the Penza province. The village was originally called Penzeno and later became known as Abashevo. Lands in this area were owned by famous landowners and counts, including Count Vasily Pustoshkin, who became famous for his apple orchards.

### Significance

Pustoshkin's Mill is an important historical and cultural site. It is a symbol of engineering excellence and architectural approach of the late 19th century. Locals and tourists can appreciate its historical value, although the current state of the building requires attention and preservation.

Pustoshkin's water mill (Abashevo)

The Porogi hydroelectric power station (also known as the Porozhskaya HPP) is a unique facility in the Chelyabinsk region and Russia as a whole. This small hydroelectric power station, located on the Bolshaya Satka River, near the village of Porogi, has a long history and is important for the region.

Built in 1910, the Porogi hydroelectric power station is the oldest continuously operating hydroelectric power station in Russia. Its dam structure made of rubble stone has a length of 125 meters and a maximum height of 21 meters. Spillways are equipped with gates and mechanisms to regulate water.

On the territory of the station there is a hydroelectric power station building, also made of rubble stone, which includes a turbine room with three horizontal radial-axial hydraulic units. These generators, which have been preserved since their construction, provide an electrical power of 1.36 MW.

Although the hydroelectric power station was stopped in 2017 due to financial problems, it continues to remain a significant object of historical and cultural heritage. In 1996, it was recognized as a monument of history and culture of regional significance. Preserving the historical value and functionality of this hydroelectric power plant is an important task for the region.

### Historical reference

The history of the construction of the Porogi hydroelectric power station is closely connected with the development of the Ural metallurgical enterprise at the beginning of the 20th century. Beginning in 1908, the construction of this enterprise, located in the Porogi tract near the mining village, opened a new era in Russian electrometallurgy.

To power metal production, electric furnaces were installed, which required a significant amount of electricity. As a result of joint efforts with the enterprise, a dam was erected on the Satka River, where a hydroelectric power station was then built.

In 1910, the hydroelectric power station was put into operation, and the generated electricity was supplied to the Ural Metallurgical Enterprise. This resource was key for electric furnaces that were used to smelt various ferroalloys. The introduction of innovative technologies in those electric furnaces helped significantly improve the metal smelting process and made it safer.

The Porogi hydroelectric power station has become an important link in the Russian electrometallurgical industry, providing energy to the enterprise and contributing to its technological development. This historical fact highlights the importance of the role played by hydroelectric power plants in the industrial development of the country.

### Leisure and tourism

The popularity of the area around the Porogi hydroelectric power station among tourists is due not only to its historical significance as an industrial site, but also to its unique nature, which attracts lovers of active recreation and relaxing time in the fresh air.

The Satka Reservoir, on the banks of which the Porogi hydroelectric power station is located, offers a wide range of entertainment and active recreation for visitors all year round. Here you can go skiing, mountaineering, hiking in picturesque places, and also go fishing. The variety of options attracts both adventure enthusiasts and family groups, and everyone will find something to suit their taste.

Hotel "Porogi" is located on the banks of the Bolshaya Satka River and offers comfortable accommodation for tourists. With a variety of rooms and pricing policy, it meets the needs of different categories of visitors. This ensures convenience and accessibility of accommodation for everyone who decides to enjoy the beautiful natural and cultural attractions of the Southern Urals in the vicinity of the Porogi hydroelectric power station.

### How to get there

You can get to the Porogi hydroelectric power station from the nearest settlements - Berdyaush or Satka, located 10 and 23 km to the north, respectively. From Chelyabinsk it will take about 230 km to get to the attraction. The hydroelectric power station is located in a small village - Porogi, population (according to 2013) - 10 people.

Hydroelectric power station Porogi

Небольшой грот и деревянная пристройка с печкой служили&nbsp;монахам молельней. Самого старого, не ходячего, монаха поднимали на верх с помощью тросового подъёмника, от которого остались только металлические столбы!

Келья трёх монахов

25 января 2018 года был открыт клуб в с. Воронцовка, которому и присвоили имя В. С. Высоцкого, которому в этот день исполнилось бы 80 лет. Была открыта и музейная комната, где представлен материал о жизни и творчестве В. С. Высоцкого, который во время эвакуации в детском возрасте со своей матерью проживал в селе Воронцовка. 

Сельский клуб им. Владимира Высоцкого в с. Воронцовка Бузулукского района

Поселок 14 км. 11 июня 2012 года на территории В/ч 96558 произошел пожар, вследствие чего начались взрывы снарядов. Радиус разлёта осколков составлял более 5 километров. Площадь склада ракет и боеприпасов железобетонного подземного и наземного хранения составляла около 83 гектар. Ныне В/ч заброшена, остались только руины и несколько уцелевших домов поодаль. 

Павел Наумов

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