Williamsville Water Mill Complex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Williamsville Water Mill Complex
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Williamsville Water Mill Complex, April 2009
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 56 and 60 Spring St., Williamsville, New York |
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| Built | 1827 |
| Architect | Smith, Oziel |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001675 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1983 |
The Williamsville Water Mill Complex is a really old and important building in Williamsville, New York. It's a special kind of factory that used the power of water to run its machines. This complex is located in Erie County, New York.
Over many years, this complex changed what it produced. It started by cutting wood, then ground grain, and even made apple cider! It's one of the few places left that shows how local businesses used water power a long time ago in Western New York.
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The Mill's Long History
The very first part of the Williamsville Water Mill was built in 1801. Back then, it was a sawmill. A sawmill uses big saws to cut logs into lumber. This lumber was important for building homes and other structures.
In 1827, the mill was made much bigger. It kept working as a sawmill until 1903. That's over 100 years of cutting wood!
From Cement to Grain
The complex also had another important part. This was the Water-Lime Works and Williamsville Cement Company mill. This mill made cement, which is a key material for building.
Later on, this cement mill was changed into a gristmill. A gristmill grinds grain, like wheat or corn, into flour. This flour was used to make bread and other foods.
Making Apple Cider
After 1908, the mills found a new purpose. They were used for making apple cider. This shows how adaptable the complex was over time. It could change what it produced based on what people needed.
Why the Mill is Special
The Williamsville Water Mill Complex is a rare example of its kind. It's one of the few water-powered industrial sites still standing in Western New York. It helps us understand how people used natural resources, like rivers, to power their businesses long ago.
Because of its history and importance, the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This list helps protect important historical places across the United States.
The Mill Today
In 2014, a new business moved into the old mill building. Sweet Jenny's Ice Cream renovated the space and opened their shop there.
Today, people visiting Glen Park often stop by Sweet Jenny's. The mill continues to be a busy and important part of the Williamsville community.
