A Taste of Agriculture History at Morris Arboretum’s Grist Mill Demonstration Day

On Sunday, September 18 from 1-4pm, Morris Arboretum hosts Grist Mill Demonstration Day at Bloomfield Farm (across the street from garden’s main entrance).  Springfield Mills, a historic feed and flour mill situated along the Wissahickon Creek, has been carefully restored and made operational once again by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Be a part of living history as you watch one-ton millstones grind corn kernels.  Observe 160 year old machinery that includes the newly refurbished tail gate, turbine vane controls and cob crusher, transport and sift the ground corn to produce meal.  This cornmeal is being sifted, bagged and baked into muffins for visitors to sample.  Kids and adults will enjoy grinding their own meal on the pedal powered mill.

The mill provides a unique view of 19th and early 20th century engineering and agriculture in the Wissahickon Valley, home to more than 60 mills before WWII, but now one of only two remaining that you can tour.

This event is free admission, but donations are appreciated.  For general information about Morris Arboretum, go to www.morrisarboretum.org, or call 215-247-5777.

Photo Credit:  Robert Gutowski

Photo Caption:  On Sunday, September 18 from 1-4pm, Morris Arboretum hosts Grist Mill Demonstration Day at Bloomfield Farm (across the street from garden’s main entrance).  Springfield Mills, a historic feed and flour mill situated along the Wissahickon Creek, has been carefully restored and made operational once again by a dedicated group of volunteers.  Craig SanPietro, one of the many volunteers involved in this restoration process, is pictured here discussing the 160 year old machinery with visitors.