Bahr Mill Complex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bahr Mill Complex
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Bahr Mill, July 2013
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ironstone Dr., Colebrookdale Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1897 |
| Architectural style | Gristmill |
| MPS | Gristmills in Berks County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001611 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 1990 |
The Bahr Mill Complex is a very old and important group of buildings in Colebrookdale Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It's a historic site that shows how people lived and worked long ago. The main building is a grist mill, which was used to grind grain into flour.
This complex is special because it has many different buildings. These include the mill itself, a farmhouse, a sawmill, and even a store. It was a busy place where a family could live and run their business.
Contents
Bahr Mill Complex: A Historic Pennsylvania Site
The Bahr Mill Complex is a collection of buildings that tell a story. It shows how a community might have operated in the past. The complex is located in Colebrookdale Township, Pennsylvania. It was added to a list of important places in 1990. This list is called the National Register of Historic Places.
What is a Grist Mill?
A grist mill is a type of mill that grinds grain. Farmers would bring their wheat or corn to the mill. The mill would then use large grinding stones to turn the grain into flour or meal. This flour was essential for making bread and other foods.
Grist mills were very important before modern factories existed. They were often central to a community. People relied on them for their daily food.
Buildings at Bahr Mill
The Bahr Mill Complex has many interesting old buildings. The main building is the stone mill, built in 1897. It has two stories and a basement. This is where the grain was ground.
Other buildings on the property include:
- A farmhouse, built around 1820. This is where the mill owner's family lived.
- A sawmill, also from about 1820. This mill would cut logs into lumber.
- A store, built around 1820. This was likely where people could buy supplies.
- A large stone barn, rebuilt around 1880. Barns were used to house animals and store crops.
- Smaller buildings like sheds, a shoemaker's shop, and even a chicken house.
These buildings show how a complete working farm and business operated.
A Family Legacy
One of the most unique things about the Bahr Mill Complex is its history. The same family, the Gable family, ran this mill for over 175 years! This means many generations worked there. They passed down their knowledge and skills from parents to children. This long family connection makes the complex very special. It shows a deep history of hard work and dedication.
A National Treasure
The Bahr Mill Complex was recognized as a historic place in 1990. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects. They are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list helps protect these places. It ensures they can be enjoyed and learned from by future generations.
