A great name and a great site.
OK, it isn’t specifically focused on Ohio -- but the website of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (which uses the acronym, “SPOOM”) is a fascinating world-wide look at efforts to preserve a unique chapter in industrial history, and well worth a visit.
In addition to organizational information, visitors will find links to other websites featuring restored and operating mills, peruse lists of mills open to the public and an event calendar, and even check out a handful of old mills available for purchase. There is also an interesting collection of FAQs – probably the only place on the web you can get answers to some the following questions (among others):
- What is the difference between a mill and a factory?
- Can you explain what a tub wheel is?
- How can I preserve wooden gears?
- Are there still operating mustard mills?
- Any suggestions for insurance carriers for mills?
- What is a French buhr?
- Are both millstones grooved?
Ohio is not left out by any means. Under the section labeled “Mills Open to the Public,” two Ohio mills are profiled – the 1845 Lanterman’s Mill along Canfield Road in Youngstown, and the 1865 Isaac Ludwig Mill in Grand Rapids (located in the Providence Metro Park, part of the Toledo Metroparks System).
Click here to visit SPOOM online.
Photo Credit: ketchison/Creative Commons