Scenic USA - New Jersey

Each day Scenic USA presents a new and interesting photo feature from somewhere in the United States. Chosen from a wide variety
of historic sites, city scenes, backcountry byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a brief explanation. For further detailed
information, links to other sites are provided, but are never to be considered an endorsement.

Cooper Mill

Photos by Ben Prepelka

     This mill site, an excellent source of power on the Black River, dates back to the 1760s. The present grist mill building, once the pride of Milltown, has done well to survive the past 186 years. Built by Nathan Cooper, the latest ideas of automation were used for a more efficient operation. Embracing the ideas laid out in Oliver Evans' book, The Young Millwright and Miller's Guide, Cooper's Mill kept up with the latest technology that�s still seen throughout the mill today.
     Powered by a 6-1/2 ton water wheel, the restored four story mill is open for weekend tours through October. Operated by the New Jersey Morris County Park Commission and supported by Friends of Cooper Mill, mill visitors may be surprised to see the amount of century old mill machinery it takes to grind cornmeal and produce flour. Cooper Mill Waterwheel Powered by the natural flow of the river, the 16 foot water-wheel generates about 45 horsepower at peak conditions. A series of belts transfers power to the 2000 pound millstones. Screw augers lift the flour to a sifting and bagging process, producing as much as 800 pounds in an hour.
     Visitors finding their way to Chester may also enjoy the county's hiking trails along the Black River. Bamboo Brook and Conifer Pass further extend the Black River Trail, while Patriots Path leads southward through the Black River Wildlife Management Area to Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum.

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