Archive Record
Metadata
Title |
Series 3: General History, Cooper Mill Papers |
Scope & Content |
This record refers to: Series 3: General History. Original material that is relevant to the history and interpretation of Cooper Gristmill and the lives of its occupants and employees but does not have a direct connection to the site or one of its occupants, circa 1837-1946. The Mill Papers collection contains general milling information, mill equipment information and general information on the Cooper Gristmill and relevant histories. |
Object Name |
Records |
Catalog Number |
CM2018.001 |
Collection |
Cooper Gristmill Collection |
Physical characteristics |
8 Folders, 19 individual items. |
Creator |
Various Creators |
Biographical History |
Cooper Gristmill, located on 14 acres, was built in 1826 and is one of the remaining restored water-powered mills in New Jersey. It is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. It is a living example of the state's transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy. Cooper Gristmill was once the heart of a thriving industrial community, Milltown, and played a vital role in the area's development during and after the American Industrial Revolution. The stretch of the Black River on which the Cooper Gristmill is situated is well-suited for the operation of water-powered mills. Throughout the 19th century, the gristmill ground primarily wheat, but also corn, and other grains. With four sets of millstones connected by elevators to grain cleaners and flour sifters, the mill ground up to 10 tons of grain each day. This mill remained in operation until the early 20th century. Modern turbines installed in the 1870s replaced the mill's two original wooden waterwheels. Today, the mill is run by an all-steel Fitz Company waterwheel. |
Year Range from |
1837 |
Year Range to |
1946 |
System of arrangement |
The Mill Papers are organized into 3 series. The series are broken down into three groups of information: General Milling Information, Cooper Gristmill Information, and General History. Series 1: General Milling Information Material in this series relates to milling equipment and/or milling information. Material covers general subject matter and is not specific to processes or equipment used at the Cooper Gristmill. Series 2: Cooper Gristmill Information Material in this series relates to information about the Cooper Gristmill property and buildings. Material within this series relates to the subject matter and is not specific to the Cooper Family. Additional information regarding the Cooper Family can be found in the Cooper Family Papers. Series 3: General History Original material that is relevant to the history and interpretation of Cooper Gristmill and the lives of its occupants and employees but does not have a direct connection to the site or one of its occupants, ca. 1837-1946. When applicable these materials will be immediately digitized and made accessible for educators and may be assigned Cooper Mill Working (CMW) accession numbers. |
Parent ObjectID |
CM2013.001 |
Copyrights |
Records may be copied for use in individual scholarly or personal research; however, as with all materials in the Morris County Park Commission, researchers are responsible for obtaining copyright permission to use material from the collection. |
Level of description |
Series |
Containers |
Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room vings Bank Historic Speedwell Archives Room vings Bank Historic Speedwell Archives Room Historic Speedwell Archives Room |