Clear Spring Mill facts for kids
Clear Spring Mill is a really old group of buildings in Franklin Township, York County, Pennsylvania. It's a special place because it shows us how people used to work and live a long time ago. This historic spot includes three main buildings: a grist mill, a sawmill, and a corn crib.
These buildings were super important for the community. They helped farmers process their crops and wood. It's like a snapshot of history, showing us the tools and methods people used before modern factories.
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What is Clear Spring Mill?
Clear Spring Mill is a collection of historic buildings. It's located in York County, Pennsylvania. This site was once a busy center for local farmers. They would bring their grains and timber here.
The mill complex is a great example of old-fashioned industry. It reminds us of a time when communities relied on local mills. These mills helped turn raw materials into useful products.
The Grist Mill: Grinding Grains
The grist mill is the newest of the main buildings. It was built in 1886. This building is quite tall, with 2 1/2 stories. It has a strong timber frame.
The grist mill sits on a stone foundation. It has a special roof called a gambrel roof. Inside, there are three different levels. Farmers would bring their corn or wheat here. The mill would grind it into flour or meal.
The Sawmill: Cutting Wood
The sawmill is the oldest building at Clear Spring Mill. It was built around 1809. This building is one story tall. It also has a timber frame.
The sawmill's foundation is made of stone and wood posts. It is about 12 feet deep and 40 feet wide. There's even a small porch at the back. This mill was used to cut logs into lumber. This lumber was then used for building houses and other structures.
The Corn Crib: Storing Corn
The corn crib is the most recent addition to the complex. It was built around 1930. A corn crib is a special building. It's designed to store corn.
The walls of a corn crib usually have spaces between the boards. This allows air to flow through. Air circulation helps to dry the corn. It also prevents it from spoiling.
Why is Clear Spring Mill Important?
Clear Spring Mill is important because it's a piece of history. It shows us how people lived and worked. It also shows how technology changed over time.
In 1997, Clear Spring Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special place. It's worth protecting for future generations. It helps us understand the past of Pennsylvania.