Preservation Project
Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill Restoration Project
Our mill is located on East Mill Road and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places as a contributing property in the German Valley Historic District.
If you are interested in mill preservation, visit the Society for the Preservation Of Old Mills (SPOOM) at www.spoom.org
Check out the items we sell to support Land Trust activities such as the mill restoration.
Front side facing East Mill Road. The back of the building is on the banks of the South Branch of the Raritan River.
First floor restoration
Built circa 1750, and owned by Philip Weise, the mill was essential to the economy and development of German Valley and the surrounding agricultural community. For much of its history, it was the most successful business in the village, grinding grain and producing flour and animal feed. A saw mill was located behind the grist mill during the 1800’s.
Originally powered by two water wheels, the mill was converted to turbine power by owner Obadiah LaTourette in the 1870’s. The milling operation continued until the early 1940’s. Most of the machinery remains, reflecting the history of milling over 200 years.
In 1991, the Washington Township Land Trust purchased the condemned building and embarked upon its restoration with the aid of volunteers, grants and generous donations. The current scope of work is being funded by a grant from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund. It includes the restoration of structural framing, soffit, trim, doors and siding of the street facade; restoration of some first floor beams and joists; and restoration of thirteen windows.
Mill tours are given most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. For an appointment, for information about our Window Adoption Program, or to volunteer to help us at the mill, email us at obadiah1750@hotmail.com
or call 908-876-4478