PAGE 2
Map of the Pioneer Village
A Closer View of the Saw Mill
Another look at the sawmill looking southwest. I have never seen this particular one in action.
Looking North at the Saw Mill
I like the foundation, just put down some stones and start building.
A Close View of the Saw Mill
A closer look through the south end.
Another Close View of the Saw Mill
A side view looking west showing what I would call the fly wheel
transfering the power to the blade. The log cabin in the distance is the
“Lower Residence”.
The Grist Mill Looking Northeast
This last photo of the grist mill is looking to the northeast from in front of the distillery. The “Granny White” cabin can be seen in the distance to the right.
Spring Mill village was a restoration project in the 1920′s & 30′s. According to an old postcard I have, it was a massive rebuild. The Hamer mill was the first “restored” grist mill opened to the public and that was in the 1930′s.
I took in the candle light tour of the village
back in the late eighties and having never been to one, didn’t know what
to expect.
Weather Vane
Several hundred people, some carrying candles at night
walked from the parking lot to the village. We grouped together in the
grassy area in front of the mill. After a few minutes the mill seemed to
come to life depicting a few moments of a day in the life of the
village pioneers. Mrs Hamer even raised the upstairs window of “Lower
Residence” and yelled over to the mill for her husband to come to
dinner. The next stop was in front of the tavern.
Grist Mill Interior
Here is an interior view of the old mill taken from a few steps to the left upon entering. The mill interpreter can be seen in front of the distance window and I would have loved to have been able to sit down and listen but as it was I had less than an hour to capture interior shots of all of the buildings. The old worn stairway is to the left, out of sight in this view which by the way is looking toward the northeast.
Grist Mill Interior - Second Floor
The second floor contains a number of “stalls” filled with antiques
according to a certain theme of pioneer life. Forty years ago the
antiques were basically piled along the wall and had no information
about the various items. A wonderful place at the time to attempt to
stump your father as to what something was used for. My father enjoyed
this and in only one or two instances…was stumped. This village brings
back some wonderful times with that good and dear person that was part
of my life.
Grist Mill Interior - Second Floor Window
One of the second story windows with a view of the flume, looking to the southeast.
Grist Mill Interior - Third Floor Window
Looking out of one of the third story windows with somewhat of a view of the top of the flume.