The waterwheel at the historic Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills is being restored to its former glory by volunteers using centuries-old processes, writes Jason Nark in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The working mill in Delco has ground different types of grain into flour for 300 years.
Rather than using modern tools to rebuild the wheel, the volunteers leading the project are employing wooden mallets and handsaws.
“As most ideas like this happen, we decided one day, over a beer, that it would be cool to rebuild the waterwheel like they did in the 18th century,” said the mill’s executive director, Tony Shahan.
According to Shahan, most wheels operate for 25 years before needing repairs. The current waterwheel is the third one built since 1960. The wheel was decommissioned in 2019, but COVID-19 delayed the restoration until now.
Those involved are taking into consideration worsening floods and how they will affect the mill.
The waterwheel’s price will be around $40,000, but the cost will be covered by donations. Repairs are anticipated to be completed by midsummer.
Two volunteers involved in the restoration are Eva Mergen, a carpenter, and Michael Knight, a woodworker. Knight’s been woodworking since age 4 and now creates custom furniture.
Find out more about the Newlin Grist Mill’s waterwheel in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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