Mill Race

The Mill Race was hand dug in 1704 to redirect water from the West Branch of Chester Creek to the Grist Mill. The water flows downstream through this canal when a lever is turned in the mill. A gate opens and the water collected here flows into the mill where it turns the water wheel.

 

Springhouse

Through the trees, notice the small stone building. This springhousewas originally built in 1710 on a local farm. Records indicate that it served as a residence in the 1700s for a descendant of one of the original Newlins. In the 1970s, it was dismantled and rebuilt here over a natural spring.

 

 

Railroad Bridge and Dam

As the mill race curves around toward the dam, it passes under the old Octoraro Railroad bridge. The dam has been at this spot since 1704 when Nathaniel Newlin needed to redirect water through the mill race to the grist mill. The dam is now about 3 times larger than its original size.

 

Cabin

In 1965, Rudy Fields, the first director of the park, built the log cabin as a reception area for meetings, picnics, and parties. It has a ten-foot wide fireplace where a huge blaze of logs would be kept burning all day in the winter. The firewood came from clearing the land and the cabin itself was built from logs hand sawed by Rudy Fields.

 

Blacksmith Shop

In 1975, a blacksmith shop was built around an old forge to the specifications of an 18th century blacksmith shop. Field stone from the property was used to build the shop. The blacksmith shop was equipped with an authentic 200-year-old forge and bellows and stocked with tools and implements of colonial times. There has been no record found of a blacksmith here on the site, yet it was an essential part of colonial industry and very important to milling.

 

Relax and enjoy!
Take your time traveling along the historical water walk and enjoy the beauty of the park. There is a wide variety of plants and wildlife to appreciate throughout the seasons. For everyone's enjoyment, please do not disturb the natural surroundings.