Mill Details

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill

Berks Co. | Pennsylvania | USA
Known Dates: Earlier-1725/Current-1841
Township: Oley Twp.
Watersource: Manatawny Creek.

Location / Directions

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill

Starting in Oley on Main St., go southeast for about 1 mile. Main becomes Virginia, then cross over Pa 73 and procede to Bertolet's Mill Rd. Take a right and the mill is on the right at intersection with Kauffman Rd.

Verse for Thought
O how our hearts beat high with joy When'er we hear that glorious Word! "Faith Of Our Fathers" by Frederick W. Faber
({From the hymnal - Sing to the Lord})
Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Jim Miller 02/1981

The earliest mill was built by Johann Heinrich Kersten in 1725. Kersten shortened his name to Kerst as many immigrants did to make for easier pronunciation. The second mill was built in 1841, a 40'x 55' limestone mill standing 3.5 stories and covered with stucco.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Jim Miller 10/20/1992

The photo shows the mill in relation to the surrounding farm buildings. The barn probably dates from the mid 1700's. The miller's house is out of the picture on the left. More info needed as to history of mill and the owners through the years.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 11/03/2006

A similar photo as the first picture taken in February of 1981; only, this photo was taken twenty-five years later.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 11/03/2006

The mill's outlet arch that leads into the mill pond for the used water, from Manatawny Creek, that once powered the mill.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 11/03/2006

The mill reflected in the mill pond.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 11/03/2006

The miller's house, c. 1772, is located east of the mill across the driveway to the property.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 11/03/2006

The mill, barn, and miller's house viewed from across the pond, a very idellic setting.

Kerst/Bertolet's Mill
Robert T. Kinsey 11/03/2006

The barn, summer kitchen with bake-oven, out-buildings, and miller's house as viewed from across the fields.

 
Upload Pictures
I want to upload picture(s) at this time.