Member Lecture: Lancaster County Grist Mills
Lancaster County Grist Mills
They were hubs of the local economy, where are they now?
This presentation features Lancaster County’s water-powered grist mills. This is a summary of my book, Mills of Lancaster County published by Masthof Press. Lancaster County’s mills were once extremely important contributors to the Lancaster County economy. They were hubs of the local economy. The location of the early mills often dictated the formation of the road networks. Many of them served as local post offices. The local mill was where people went to get their mail and catch up on the local news while delivering their corn or wheat to be processed into animal feed, cornmeal, or flour. Today, most of them are long gone, but about 100 still stand as testaments to a bygone era. Two of the mills in the county are set up as museums and are worth a visit. Others have been converted into residences or businesses. Still others have been abandoned and are slowly decaying. The presentation begins with a brief history of milling and water-powered mill technology. Then we will hear stories from a few of the mills. Finally, we will wrap up with a summary of the current uses for the mills that still exist today.
Presenter Donald Kautz is a retired software developer, amateur photographer, and local historian. Don has given numerous talks in the local area about the history of the Conestoga River. He has written a book entitled “The Conestoga River: A History”. Don has done extensive research on Lancaster County grist mills and has recently published a book entitled “Mills of Lancaster County”. Don lives near Lancaster with his wife and has three grown children and two grandsons.
This is a Member event. Non-members are welcome with a small fee.
Members: FREE REGISTER HERE
Non-Member: $5 REGISTER HERE
