Silver Lake Mill
Harnessing the power of water and wind to turn a wheel is one of humanity’s oldest mechanical energy sources. Among a variety of other uses, these early "green energy" resources were used to power grist mills (grist is grain that has been separated from its chaff in preparation for grinding). Water, being a readily available resource, was the one most often used in Delaware to operate grist mills during the 18th and 19th centuries.
At one time almost every Delaware village had a grist mill, and we can see that legacy in the fact that “Mill St.” is among the 50 most common street names in Delaware, while many other roads have mill in the name.
The earliest grist mills in America were built in the early 1600s. Technological advances in milling spurred by the Industrial Revolution (1840s) led to the decline in grist mill operations by the early 20th century.
The water-powered grist and sawmill in the Museum's historic Delaware village is a replica not a restoration project. It was built in the 1980s using mid-19th century techniques that include wooden pegged joints. The term "gristmill" refers to the grinding equipment as well as the building. The grindstones in the Silver Lake Mill date to the 18th century, the roller floor and sawmill machines are late 19th century.
In early 2023, grant support from Crystal Trust enabled the Ag Museum to replace the broken wooden water wheel and decaying spillway at the Silver Lake Mill. Once operational, the new spillway and wheel will allow us to demonstrate the grist mill in operation. Permanent interpretive signage at the mill, paid for in part by a grant from Delaware Humanities, will explain and demonstrate the process by which water has been harnessed generate electricity and do work. Interpretive materials will draw connections between these early uses of hydropower to the high-tech dams that generate power today and highlight the environmental and economic impacts of this energy source.
During the winter and spring 2023, Cedar Rock Construction labored under extremely difficult conditions on the demolition of the existing spillway and water wheel, followed by their expert construction of a new spillway and drainage system. With that important work completed, Cedar Rock took it one step further and landscaped the site to create an accessible viewing area (terrace) for visitors.
Leland Oakley Welding worked off-site for several months to build the amazing metal water wheel now in place a Silver Lake Mill - a feat of engineering that will stand the test of time.