Kirby's Mill

Kirby's Mill is an historic grist mill in Medford, New Jersey. Originally known as Haines Mill, it was built in 1778 by Isaac Haines and partners along the Southwest Branch of Rancocas Creek. It was the last commercial operating mill in New Jersey. [ [http://medford-history-nj.org Medford Historical Society.] Accessed 2008-08-22.]

History

18th and 19th centuries

A sawmill was built along the creek, and an adjacent brick house, called the Miller's House, was built about 1785. The grist mill was enlarged to three stories about 1830. A blacksmith shop and barn were also built during this period.

William S. Kirby purchased the mill complex in 1877 and added a fourth floor to the grist mill. The original water wheel was replaced with water turbines, which provided more power and were submerged, permitting year-round operation.

The mill produced wheat, buckwheat and rye flour, cornmeal and chicken feed. The sawmill produced lumber for the mid-Atlantic region into the 20th century.

20th century

Flour production stopped in the 1920's. The gristmill was converted to electrical operation in 1961. Livestock feed was produced until 1969.

Kirby's Mill was relatively unaffected by the disastrous storm that struck upstream from the site in Medford, Medford Lakes, and Shamong Township on July 14, 2004. While the mill, grounds, roadway and surrounding property were inundated under up to 12+ feet of water, the structure remained intact, with little to no noticeable and appreciable damage. Medford Township, Burlington County, New Jersey State, and Federal Engineers, and Historic/Preservation Architects performed detailed surveys, and inspections to certify the building as safe, and only receiving "minor, cosmetic, or relatively inconspicuous" damage.

Renovations

Recently, historic renovations to the Millers House have been started. These have been started to return the structure to its original, more historically correct design and appearance. Removal of 1930 as well as 1950 additions, the return to timber structural members, glazing, and decorative fixtures, as well as historic renovation of the interior are expected to be completed by 2009. Additionally, construction of a period style carriage house has been started on the Mill's grounds.

Kirby's Mill is currently owned by the Medford Historical Society. The mill has been entered in the National Register of Historic Places in the United States.

References