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The
July 2002 workshop at the Obadiah La Tourette Mill brought participants
together from New Jersey, New York and Colorado. Work was successfully
undertaken in two areas - repointing stone and constructing mortise
and tenon joists.
Instruction
was given on the properties of historic mortar and the best materials
for use in the turbine bay area that is at times underwater. This
was followed by instruction in fabricating tenons on floor joists
and mortises in beams, using tools from the original era of construction.
By the end of the week four new floor joists were in place and a
considerable amount of repointing was completed. Fieldtrips to historic
local lime kilns and a nearby restored mill gave added insight into
the work completed during the workshop.
The mill, built in 1751, is located on the South
Branch of the Raritan River, in northwestern New Jersey. It
originally ground grist into flour, powered by two water wheels.
The mill was renovated and converted to turbine power in the 1870's
by then-owner Obadiah La Tourette, and the milling operation continued
until WW II. Unoccupied since 1967, the mill and eleven acres of
river front property were purchased in 1991 by the Washington Township
Land Trust. At that time the oldest section of the mill was in a
state of collapse and had been condemned. The Land Trust is currently
restoring the mill with the help of volunteers, grants and donated
funds.
If you would prefer to mail in a gift, please use our donation form.
