Fenner–Snyder Mill facts for kids
The Fenner–Snyder Mill, also known as Brinker's Mill or the Old Mill, is a very old and important building in Hamilton Township, Pennsylvania. It's a special kind of mill called a grist mill. This mill helped people in the past by grinding grains like wheat and corn into flour. It's located in a small village called Sciota, right next to McMicheal's Creek.
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Fenner-Snyder Mill: A Historic Landmark
The Fenner-Snyder Mill is a significant piece of history. It shows us how people lived and worked a long time ago. Today, it's recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it's a special building that the United States government wants to protect because of its history.
What is a Grist Mill?
A grist mill is like a big machine that uses the power of flowing water to turn large grinding stones. These stones then crush grains, like wheat or corn, into flour or meal. Before electricity, mills like this were essential for making food. Farmers would bring their crops to the mill to be ground.
History of the Mill
The Fenner-Snyder Mill was built way back in 1800. That's over 200 years ago! It's a strong building made mostly of fieldstone, which is a type of natural stone found in fields. It has 2 and a half stories, meaning it's quite tall. Around 1860, a tin roof was added to the mill.
For a very long time, the mill was always busy. It kept grinding grains continuously until April 1954. Imagine all the flour it produced over those years!
The Mill Today
In 1974, the Fenner-Snyder Mill was given to Hamilton Township. The idea was that the township would use the mill for "historical, cultural, and governmental purposes." This means the community can use it to learn about the past, for cultural events, or for local government activities. It's a great way to keep the mill's history alive for future generations.