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Lanterman's Mill Isaac Powers and Phineas Hill established Lanterman's Mill site in 1799. The first gristmill in the Western Reserve was built with round logs. Eli Baldwin replaced the first mill with a larger frame structure in 1823. In 1843, Baldwin's mill was destroyed in a flood. Today you can still see a remnant of Baldwin's old mill. About 500 feet downstream, there rests one of Baldwin's buhrstones. German Lanterman and his brother-in-law Samuel Kimberly built the present mill in 1845 to 1846 with 80 men and 20 teams of horses. Lanterman's Mill originally had an overshot waterwheel but was converted to turbines before it ceased operations in 1888. The mill did not function again and fell into a deteriorated condition. In 1982 the Mill Creek Park activated plans to restore the mill and place it back into operation. Today, Lanterman's Mill presents one of the most spectacular scenes in Ohio. Located next to a 23' natural waterfall, the mill stands 6 1/2 stories tall. The lower 4 stories are laid with cut sandstone. This massive stone foundation supports the upper 2 1/2-story frame structure. The exterior of the framed portion is covered with naturally weathered lap siding. The numerous windows are 12 over 8 double-hung. The mill was originally built for a 14' waterwheel and that presently powers the mill. The waterwheel is located inside the mill on the lowest level. The water is channeled into the mill via a millrace that has its sluice gates just above the 4' dam that is about 30 yards behind the natural waterfall. The dam's construction secures an ample water supply. The water flows through the millrace into the mill, over the waterwheel and exits at the lowest level under the building. Presently the millstones grind whole-wheat flour, cornmeal and buckwheat that are sold at the mill's store. Lanterman's Mill is open May 1 through October 31, Tuesday through Friday 10-5, and Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 11-6. Tours of the mill are available for a nominal fee. One of the most spectacular scenes in Ohio, the Lanterman's Mill is a wonderful experience. There are trails surrounding the mill and a replica covered bridge at the site. (Bresko; Darbee; "Lanterman's Mill."). DIRECTIONS: Mahoning County. In Youngstown. Follow the signs. From I-680 in Youngstown, take the Glenwood Exit, south on Glenwood, west on S.R. 62 on the Mahoning River in Mill Creek Park. |
