GRIST From the Mill Volume 7: Issue 1
Spring/Summer 2013
A publication of the Newlin Grist Mill
Family Photos Shed Light On Mill History: The Major David J. Brown Collection
Each year tours of the site introduce visitors to the stories of Newlin Grist Mill and the people who lived, worked, and preserved this historic site. Occasionally, visitors share their own stories, which provide new information and details to the mill’s three century-long history. During one of these visits, Lynn Stehling recounted memories of visiting her grandparents, Claire and William Brown, who lived at Newlin Mill in the Miller’s House from 1950 to 1960. After William passed away in 1960, Claire moved into what is now the Archive building until moving out in 1974. The family witnessed the property transform from a commercial operation to a museum operated by the Nicholas Newlin Foundation. Our conversation with Lynn Stehling revealed information about this often overlooked period of the mill’s history. Also discovered were the origins and names associated with an often told ghost story of the Miller’s House.
After returning home, Mrs. Stehling spoke with her family about Newlin Grist Mill’s desire to document the site’s late-19th and 20th-century history. Her uncle, Major David J. Brown, agreed to share his collection of family snapshots. The collection consists of nearly eighty images, and provides a rare glimpse into
Newlin Grist Mill, its surroundings, and people who lived there. While tours focus on the period of ownership by the Newlin Family (1682 –1817), these later periods of the site are important for understanding both the history and resources we are responsible for managing today. (Continued on pg. 2)
Top to Bottom: Image of the site shows advertising and extra story on the house; Sandy the Collie is seen in many of the photographs and is reported to be buried near the Mill.
Table of Contents 2 3
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David J. Brown Collection, Cont. Summer Discovery Fishing Newlin at Night Bird Walks Earth Day Spring House Story Time Collections/Research Highlights Giant Sequoya Trees Studied Volunteer Highlight Donor List
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Calendar of Events
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Major David J. Brown Collection (Continued from pg. 1)
It may not be obvious how a few snap shots can be valuable to historic preservation but these are the only images currently found from this period. They reveal the details of how the buildings appeared before historic restoration took place. This collection has helped to answer research questions about the house. During a recent archaeological excavation, a structure on the north side of the house was located. Thanks to this collection, it has been positively identified as a porch. The beehive oven is also noticeably absent in these images; it was most likely added during the restoration of the house in the 1970s. This is also supported by the presence of a bake house behind the house. The images also show the alignment of the roof on the building thought to be a privy. Other details are evident in these pictures. Several photos show the extra story now removed from the Miller’s
Specific details about the Miller’s House are highlighted in this collection. Interior images show built-in shelving and walls that no longer exist. The backyard contained outbuildings including a bake house and what may have been a chicken coop. The design and location of the barn are also clearly visible in the pictures.
The only known interior image of the grist mill prior to restoration is also included in this collection. We are grateful to Major David Brown for generously sharing these images with Newlin Grist Mill. They have provided important historical details while giving us insight into a time when the Newlin Mill site was home to his family.
Top: A view of the house showing a bake house and porch addition – the site of recent archaeological investigations. Bottom: The barn that was later destroyed by fire.
Grist From The Mill Design: Andrea Gómez Editors: Andrea Gómez and Patrick Harshbarger
Newlin At Night
Summer Discovery camps will once again be offered in July and August. Dates and Themes: Morning Sessions: Time Travelers July 1, 2, 3 Superheroes of Nature July 9, 10, 11 Nature Meets Art July 16, 17, 18 Junior Naturalists July 22-26 July 30, 31 Aug. 1 Get Active in Nature Water Wizardry Aug. 6, 7, 8 Where the Wild Things Grow Aug. 13, 14, 15 Afternoon Workshops: July 2, 3, 10, 11 Pond Fishing Ice Cream Dreamin’ July 17, July 31 For details, descriptions, prices, and information visit www.newlingristmill.org or email agomez@newlingristmill.org.
We are excited to announce a brand new series of night time programs at Newlin Grist Mill. The Newlin at Night series will allow our community to explore the different facets of the park and historic buildings.
Friday, June 28th - Insects at Night, 8:00pm-10:00pm
What kinds of creepy crawlies live at Newlin? Entomologist John Gruber will lead a discussion and in-depth study regarding local insects and why they are important. He will set up several study zones to reveal the kinds of insects that are active at night around Newlin Grist Mill. All collected specimens will be studied by John Gruber and the students of Friends Central School in Wynwood, PA and will be mounted for display and educational use. Cost: $5.00 per person.
Saturday, October 19th - Owl Prowl, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Join us for a nighttime hike through the park to find our resident owls. We will visit the Christmas tree maze and metasequoia grove to look and listen for owls. Our target species are Great Horned and Screech owls, but maybe we’ll get lucky and add a new species to our owl list! Cost $7.00 per person.
Saturday, October 26th - Historic Lighting, 6:30pm-8:30pm
8888888888488 Fi<hing in 2013
This year pond fishing at Newlin Grist Mill opens on Saturday, March 30th. Hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays 9am-4pm through October 27th. Admission for fishing is $5.00 per person. This includes the use of a cane fishing pole. The ponds are stocked with Rainbow Trout. Each fish costs $4.00. You must keep what you catch - we do not allow catch and release in our fishing ponds. Bait is also sold for $1.00. To fish, please register upon arrival in the Visitor Center. Detailed information about pond fishing and our stream fishing membership may be found at www.newlingristmill.org.
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If you have photographs, artifacts, or memories of life at Newlin Grist Mill and you are willing to share them, please contact us at (610) 459-2359 or tshahan@newlingristmill.org.
Executive Trustee Mortimer Newlin Sellers Vice-Chair Timothy Barnard Secretary Virginia DeNenno Treasurer Henry F. Thompson, Jr. Board of Trustees Eliza Newlin Carney Virginia DeNenno Lawrence Dunbar Patrick Harshbarger Johannes Jarka-Sellers Lucy Bell Jarka-Sellers Frank J. McKelvey, Jr. Bill Newlin, Jr. William V.P. Newlin Susan Shisler Rapp Frances Stead Sellers Lucy Bell Newlin Sellers Mortimer Newlin Sellers Peter H. Sellers Marianne D. Squryes Mason C. Thompson Mark Willcox III Emeriti Ellen M. Cronin Nicholas Sellers Anthony F.C. Wallace Mark Willcox, Jr. Full Time Staff Tony Shahan, Director Lauren Burnham Keith Doms Rick Fellows Andrea Gómez Kevin Miller Part Time Staff Sarah Carroll Kelly Crodian KB Inglee Bodge Inglee Jessica Shahan
Summer Discovery 25 Years and Going Strong!
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House. Signs painted on the buildings illustrate what businesses were operating. Other details such as grades, plantings, and the design of the Cheyney Road Bridge (destroyed by a flood in 197) are all identifiable.
Nicholas Newlin Foundation Trustees/ Newlin Grist Mill Staff
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Have you ever wondered what our historic structures would look like by candlelight? Now is your chance to find out! Join us for a nighttime tour of the Miller’s House and historic lighting demonstration. Participants will have the opportunity to try a variety of daily 18th century tasks using period lighting. Visitors may even hear about some of the rumored hauntings of the site. We hope you will join us for this family-friendly Halloween event. Cost: $7.00 per person. For more information about the Newlin at Night series, please visit www. newlingristmill.org, call 610-459-2359, or email info@newlingristmill.org. Pre-registration is required for these events.
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Bird Walks Return We are proud to announce the return of bird walks to Newlin Grist Mill. The 160-acre park includes many habitats with a high diversity of bird species that call Newlin Grist Mill home, seasonally and year round. This year we will offer a series of four seasonal bird walks to birders, nature enthusiasts, families, photographers, and anyone interested in exploring the outdoors. Sat. May 18th, 8am-10am Spring Migrants and Breeding Birds Join us for a walk to welcome back our migratory birds from their wintering grounds. On the walk, we will visit favorite stop-over locations where migrating birds refuel with high-energy foods. We will explore prime nesting habitat to see if we can spot any nests or young. Target species include warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, and bluebirds. $5.00/person.
Newlin Family Related Artifacts Surface Collections and Research Highlights
diversity of resources in the park helps provide food and shelter for our feathered friends. Target species for this walk include wrens, orioles, woodpeckers, and summer-time sparrows! $5.00/person. Sat. September 28th, 8am-10am Fall Migrants Cooler temperatures and shorter days trigger the migratory instincts of many species. On this walk, we will discover which birds are headed south for warmer weather and which have decided to hang around for winter. Target species include hawks, warblers, kinglets, and northern sparrows. $5.00/person. We will also be offering an Owl Prowl on Saturday, October 19th from 6-8pm as part of our Newlin at Night series. To register, contact 610-459-2359 or email info@newlingristmill.org. We hope you will join us.
Sat. June 15th, 8am-10am Resident Summer Birds Every summer, the park serves as home for a wide variety of bird species. Join us for a walk through Newlin’s diverse habitats to meet these birds and discover how the
Birds From Top to Bottom: Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow. These are all common birds of Newlin Grist Mill and examples of what we may see on the bird walks.
Springhouse Storytime
Earth Day
New in 2013, Newlin Grist Mill will be Last May Newlin Grist Mill held its first holding a Springhouse Storytime series Earth Day event with an amazing turnout for preschoolers (ages 3-5 years old). of volunteers who completed a variety of environmental projects. Newlin Grist Mill Specifically designed for our smallest is again calling on the community to join visitors, Springhouse Storytimes are us April 20th from 10am-12pm for our highly interactive stories combined with 2nd annual Earth Day! movement activities, songs, games, and art projects. Each storytime will be held We are looking for groups, individuals, from 10-10:45am. Dates and story topics adults, families, and youth volunteers are: to help preserve the Park’s diverse ecosystems. This year we will be Thursday Aug. 29th: Colonial Kids removing invasive plants and installing Thursday Sept. 26th: Outdoor Adventures native species, cleaning the nature trails Thursday Oct. 24th: Fall Is in the Air and mill raceway, and continuing our forestation project. Grab an extra pair of Info: work gloves and come to the Park on Satwww.newlingristmill.org or email info@newlingristmill.org to sign urday April, 20th to lend a hand (rain date up for our email list. Cost: $5.00/child. April 27th). Please register in advance by calling 610-459-2359 or emailing Pre-registration is required. info@newlingristmill.org. Thank you for your support! 4 | Newlin Grist Mill
Quaker Meeting Dress
Silk Bonnet, Shaw, and Reticule
Lace Cap
Newlin Grist Mill was contacted over the summer by an individual who had obtained a collection of early period clothing. The collection included a Quaker Meeting Dress, two caps, a bonnet, two scarfs, a shawl, and a reticule (which is a draw string purse). The assemblage of items is unusually complete for its age. Based on an accompanying label, the dress was initially believed to be from 1700-1750 and worn by one of the first generation of the Newlin family in Pennsylvania. Close examination placed the style of dress ca. 1820-1830 although exact dating proved difficult due to alterations made to the garment.
Quaker Meeting Dress
The clothing had been purchased at the estate sale of Elizabeth S. Schwartz of St. Louis. Further investigation revealed that Mrs. Schwartz was a ninth-generation descendant of Nicholas Newlin who obtained the original land grant from William Penn in 1683. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1918 the daughter of Harry and Ann (Newlin) Springer. The dress itself was possibly owned by Harriet Torton, the wife of Emmor Jeffries Newlin. The Newlin Grist Mill acquired this collection in August and will continue to investigate its fascinating history.
Phebe Sharpless Rolling Pin One object that was made available to the NGM staff to study was a rolling pin owned by Phebe Sharpless. Phebe lived from 1752–1826 and was the granddaughter of Nathaniel Newlin, builder of Newlin Grist Mill. The rolling pin passed through seven generations of Smedley and Rhodewalt families to its current owner, Karen Olivieri. An acquaintance put her in touch with the mill. The rolling pin is a unique design that offers a glimpse into the foodways history of the Newlin family. We are very grateful for the opportunity to study this piece of history and look forward to trying out the replica Ms. Olivieri graciously allowed us to make.
From Left to Right: The rolling pin showing its unique design. Karen Olivieri and brother Dan Rhodewalt during a visit to NGM.
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Longwood Gardens Studies Giant Sequoia Trees
Thank You For Your Support! 2012 Annual Appeal
In the upper portion of Newlin Grist Mill is a grove of Giant Sequoia trees. E. Mortimer Newlin planted 50 Giant Sequoias as part of his attempt to create the park. Giant Sequoias are not native to this area and Southeastern Pennsylvania is not a conducive environment for growing them. We have worked diligently to keep these magnificent trees healthy, but over the past several years several have died, had to be removed, or are impacted by a mold called Botrytis Cinerea. We are not alone in this struggle. Longwood Gardens recently had to cut down their Giant Sequoia tree due to Botrytis Cinerea. However, some of our trees do not appear to be impacted by this mold. Longwood Gardens recently sent a team of arborists to Newlin Grist Mill to take samples. They hope that some of our trees are truly resistant to the mold and will help propagate a better species of Giant Sequoia for this area. Longwood Arborist Scott Wade, Nursery Manager Naomi McCafferty, and a Nursery Intern and Volunteer took cuttings from three different trees. The team plans to root some of the cuttings to see if they will root themselves. They also plan to use them to graft together the Giant Sequoia root stock with a Cryptomeria (Japanese Cedar) root stock, which survives better in this area. In total the team will visit Newlin two more times to take more cuttings. They also plan on taking samples from other Giant Sequoias in the area. While undergoing this process, they will determine if we have different varieties of trees or if some of our Sequoias have some sort of genetic resistance to the mold. It will take years of experimentation before a tree might be ready to be planted. However, we are very glad to be part of this scientific process of discovery. In the meanwhile, we will continue to work to protect the trees and keep them healthy.
Volunteer Highlight: Meet Justin Filipowski This January Newlin Grist Mill had the benefit of a week-long volunteer visit from Justin Filipowski. Justin currently works in the Historic Trades Department at the George Washington Distillery and Grist Mill at Mount Vernon. He became acquainted with Newlin Grist Mill through the Society for Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) and visited the site for the first time in September during a conference and workshop. He was gracious enough to return and spend his time away from work volunteering with brick analysis from this summer’s experimental archaeology project, processing a new collection for the SPOOM archives, and cleaning artifacts from our archaeology dig. Justin graduated from Troy University with a B.A in International Affairs. He is currently working on his Masters degree in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Justin first became interested in historic mills while growing up around an old sugar cane mill on his grandfather’s property in Alabama. Outside of work, Justin enjoys tennis and is an active member of Kosciuszko Foundation, a Polish heritage organization. 6 | Newlin Grist Mill
Get Involved!
We are always looking for new volunteers. Like talking to people? Working with objects? Being outside? Working on computers? Learning about history and the environment? We have a wide variety of projects for people of all ages, interests, and commitment levels. We rely on volunteers to help us preserve the history and nature of our site. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lauren at lburnham@newlingristmill.org or call 610-459-2359.
Janet Amighi Marjorie Baird Steven Balmer Timothy Barnard William and Rosemarie Barry Ted Bohannon Jody Brown Thomas Bruton Rosalie Bryant James and Susan Bullitt James Burns and Marion Childs Kim Cajda James Cantrell Dan and Elizabeth Carney Beth Chapman Leon and Bernice Chetty Samuel Cimino William Covert John and Ellen Cronin Mark Cronin John Davis Amy Delzingaro Harold and Virginia DeNenno Clarissa Dillon Lawrence Dunbar Robert and Susan Forrester Walter Foulke Lynn Gabos David A. Gilliard Yvonne Goodwin Sandra Gordon Dorrance Hamilton John and Carolyn Hanlon, Jr. J. Mervyn and Margaret Harris Patrick Harshbarger and Eileen Mapes Jack and Gail Heath Evanggelos Hionis KB Inglee Johannes and Lucy Bell JarkaSellers Ronald and Marylin Jennings Robert Jurich John and Dorise Kemper Jeff Klinger Edward and Melissa Koch Robert and Cindy Kraus Joseph Lesniak Jeff and Anna Littman Dan Mahoney Nancy Manzano John Marquess Frank McKelvey W.Kenneth Mendenhall Randall Miller Katherine Monday-Schievenin David and Nancy Montville Sandy Morris Louis Muchnick Gary and Anne Murphy Nancy Newlin Neumann Bill Newlin J. Shipley Newlin
John Newlin William Newlin William Newlin, Jr. David Ogilby David and Penny Page Rory Palmer Tory Papa Mary Ann Parker John and Susan Rapp John Ricci Mortimer and Francis Sellers Nicholas Sellers Peter and Lucy Bell Sellers Anthony Severoni Tony and Carol Shahan Laurence Shaheen Christine Sharbaugh Silva Small Maria Smith Bill and Ruth Snell Elizabeth Solomon Michael and Marianne Squyres Radclyffe Thompson Henry Thompson, Jr. Henry and Mason Thompson, Sr. Anthony Wallace Walter Bass Watkins Charles and Janet White Mark Willcox, III Florence Williams Charles and Anna Wood Elsa Rapp Woodfin Minturn Wright III Lynae Young Tom Zaffarano
2013 Annual Appeal
(Through 01/29/13) Marjorie Baird Steven Balmer Timothy Barnard William and Rosemarie Barry Lesley Berkeyheiser Jody Brown Thomas Bruton James and Susan Bullitt Joyce Lynn Bunton James Burns and Marion Childs Kim Cajda James Cantrell Dan and Elizabeth Newlin Carney Beth Chapman Leon and Bernice Chetty William Covert John and Ellen Cronin Mark Cronin George Datto III Amy Delzingaro Harold and Virginia DeNenno Lawrence Dunbar Al and Marilyn Eelman Patricia Fenn Graham and Kay Finney
Robert and Susan Forrester Walter Foulke Theresa Fox David A. Gilliard John and Carolyn Hanlon J. Mervyn and Margaret Harris Patrick Harshbarger and Eileen Mapes Jack and Gail Heath Evanggelos Hionis Eric Hofmann KB Inglee Patricia Jennings Ronald and Marylin Jennings John and Doris Kemper Kenneth Kephart Edward and Melissa Koch Robert and Cindy Kraus Jeffrey Littman Dan Mahoney John Marquess and Linda Corson Frank McKelvey Robert McLaughlin W. Kenneth Mendenhall Randall Miller Katherine Monday-Schievenin David and Nancy Montville Louis Muchnick Nancy Newlin Neumann Dave Newlin Gary Newlin William V.P. and Louisa Newlin William S. Newlin, Jr. John and Katrina Ogilby David and Penny Page John and Susan Rapp Bill and Linda Russell Mortimer and Frances Sellers Peter and Lucy Bell Sellers Laurence Shaheen Winona Simpson Silva Small Maria Smith Elizabeth Solomon Michael and Marianne Squyres Dan and Jane Staud Bayard and Francis Storey Blake Strine Luke and Carolyn Templin Radclyffe and Maria Thompson Henry Thompson, Jr. Vanguard Group Foundation Walter Bass Watkins Mark Willcox, III Florence Williams William Windsor, Jr. Charles and Anna Wood Richard Wood Elsa Rapp Woodfin Gary and Margaret Wootten Minturn Wright III
Donations and Sponsors (From 1/1/12-2/4/13) Dabbs’ Day
Elsa Rapp Woodfin
Earth Day
Great American Clean Up Herr’s Home Depot Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wawa
Education
CVS Amy Descovich Walter Foulke Yvonne Goodwin Herr’s Kathy Monday-Schievenin Carol Shahan
Fall Harvest Festival
Aqua Charitable Trust Beaver Valley Beverages Carousel Toyota Chick-Fil-A: Concordville Patrick Harshbarger R. Webb Excavating Staples Walmart Store #3252 Wilmington Montessori School
In-Kind Gifts
Mitch Beaver Robert and Lauren Burnham KB Inglee Jim Murphy Bill and Linda Russell Carol Shahan Paul and Dee Shepperd
Library and Archives Keith Doms Eleanor Given
Tavern Night Patron Fund
Ellen Cronin Gary and Anne Murphy Mortinmer and Francis Sellers Winona Simpson Pamela Jane Stephanie
Tavern Night Sponsors Penns’ Woods Winery Susan Rapp Sherry Rutter Rich Wagner
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Nicholas Newlin Foundation
Address Service Requested
NonProfit Organization U.S. Postage PAID West Chester, PA Permit #503
Newlin Grist Mill 219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills PA 19342 610-459-2359 | www.newlingristmill.org Like us on Facebook
VISIT US! Newlin Grist Mill 219 S. Cheyney Rd. Glen Mills, PA 19342 P: 610-459-2359 info@newlingristmill.org Hours: Visitor Center March-November; 9am-4pm December-February 10am-3pm Hours: Park 9am-Dusk Tours: Monday-Friday: 11am & 2pm Saturday and Sunday 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm www.newlingristmill.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH
Saturday March
30
Fishing Opens 9am-4pm, Weekends Stream Fishing Member Breakfast 8am, Invitation Only
APRIL
Saturday April
Iron Making at Newlin 10am-3pm
Saturday April
Earth Day (Rain Date: April 27th) 10am-3pm
6
20
Saturday October
5
Saturday November
2
OCTOBER
Fall Harvest Festival 10am-4pm
BRICK MAKING Fridays and Saturdays May 24, May 25 June 21, June 22 July 26, July 27 August 23, August 24
Saturdays Sept. 14 May 18 Oct. 12 June 8 Nov. 9 July 13
BIRD WALKS*
Saturdays Spring Migrants & Breeding Birds Resident Summer Birds Fall Migrant Birds Owl Prowl
May 18 June 15 Sept. 28 Oct. 19
8am-10am 8am-10am 8am-10am 6pm-8pm
SPRINGHOUSE STORYTIME* Thursday Aug. 29 Colonial Kids Thursday Sept. 26 Outdoor Adventures Thursday Oct. 24 Fall Is in the Air
NOVEMBER Tavern Night* 7pm-9:30pm
ARCHAEOLOGY
All Story Hours 10am-10:45am
NEWLIN @ NIGHT* Friday June 28 Insects @ Night Saturday Oct. 19 Owl Prowl Saturday Oct. 26 Lighting @ Night
Email info@newlingristmill.org to receive email updates about our events.
8pm-10pm 6pm-8pm 6:30pm-8:30pm
*Preregistration is required.