Kirby's Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kirby's Mill
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 Location in Burlington County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Medford, New Jersey |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1778 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000497 |
| Added to NRHP | August 12, 1971 |
Kirby's Mill is a historic building in Medford, New Jersey. It is a type of mill called a grist mill. A grist mill grinds grain into flour. This mill was built in 1778 by Isaac Haines and his partners. It is located along the Southwest Branch of Rancocas Creek. Kirby's Mill was the very last mill in New Jersey that operated as a business.
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The Story of Kirby's Mill
Early Days: 1700s and 1800s
A sawmill was also built next to the creek. Sawmills cut logs into lumber. A brick house, known as the Miller's House, was built around 1785. The grist mill was made bigger in 1830. It grew to have three stories. A blacksmith shop and a barn were also built during this time.
William S. Kirby bought the mill in 1877. He added a fourth floor to the grist mill. The old water wheel was replaced with water turbines. These turbines were underwater. This meant the mill could work all year long. They also provided more power.
The mill produced different types of flour. These included wheat, buckwheat, and rye flour. It also made cornmeal and chicken feed. The sawmill provided lumber for many years. It supplied wood to the mid-Atlantic region until the 1900s.
The Mill in the 1900s
The mill stopped making flour in the 1920s. In 1961, the gristmill was changed to run on electricity. It continued to produce livestock feed until 1969.
On July 14, 2004, a big storm hit nearby towns. These towns were Medford, Medford Lakes, and Shamong Township. Kirby's Mill was flooded by over 12 feet of water. However, the building stayed strong. It had very little damage. Experts checked the mill carefully. They said it was safe and only had small, cosmetic damage.
Each year, the Medford Historical Society hosts fun events at the mill. They have an annual Quilt Show. They also host the popular annual Apple Festival. These events show off local artists and crafts. They also feature historical items. Many people visit these festivals. In 2012, about 20,000 people attended the Apple Festival. It is one of the most popular festivals in the area.
Restoring Kirby's Mill
The Miller's House has been getting historic renovations. These changes are bringing the house back to its original look. Parts added in the 1930s and 1950s were removed. Original wood beams and windows were put back. The inside of the house is also being restored. This work was expected to finish by 2009. A new carriage house, built in the old style, has also been started on the mill grounds.
The Medford Historical Society now owns Kirby's Mill. The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. This means it is a very important historical site.
The society is working to restore the mill. It is part of a museum complex. This complex includes a country store, a milliner's shop (for hats), a print shop, a carpenter shop, and a working blacksmith shop. There is also a sawmill. You can visit the museum during special events. It is also open on Sunday afternoons in the summer.
See also
