Mill Details

Pine Grove Furnace Mill

Cumberland Co. | Pennsylvania | USA
Known Dates: u/k
Township: Cooke Twp.
Watersource: Mountain Creek.
Location / Directions

Pine Grove Furnace Mill

Located in Pine Grove State Park. From I-81 south of Carlisle, take the exit for Pa 233. Go 7 miles to a stop sign at a T. Turn right and go about 200 yards. The mill will be on your left.

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 09/25/2007

The grist mill was part of a complex consisting of a furnace, forge, coal houses, smith and carpenter shops, brick mansion houses, 30 log dwelling houses, grist and saw mill, etc.

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 09/25/2007

It is unknown when the mill was built, but it was probably soon after the construction of the initial furnace & forge structures which were built in 1764.

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 09/25/2007

The furnace was built on land deeded to Samuel Pope in 1762, 17 perches of land. This was conveyed to George Stevenson who probably built the first furnace.

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Unknown

1908 Postcard with description on back

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Unknown

Back of post card showing postmark and description

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 09/25/2007

Michael Ege purchased the Furnace and all its woodland at sale ordered by the Court on Nov.7, 1810. Michael and his brother George were brought up by their uncle Baron Henry William Steigle at Elizabeth Furnace, Lancaster County. Baron von Steigle was a great iron master and also the first manufacturer of glassware in America.

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 09/25/2007

Michael's son Peter let the complex go into foreclosure in 1838, and the furnace complex was transfered to Frederick Watts & Charles B. Penrose for $52,500. Mr. watts became sole owner in 1843. In April 1864, all the Pine Grove property was incorporated as "South Mountain Iron Company", purchased by Geo.A. Watts, Geo.C. Thomas, James T. Gingham, and other from William Watts.

Pine Grove Furnace Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 09/25/2007

Charles Sheaffer was the miller at one time at the stone grist mill, knew his trade and was well-liked for his tales & stories. By August 1913, the stone grist mill had been renovated into entertainment and dining, and was well patronized during summer months. It is now the visitor/reception center for the Pnie Grove Furnace State Park.

 
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