The photo of the 30'X 55' grist mill of 3.5 stories with an attached 30'X 20' saw mill was taken in the fall of 1987. *Update: The first recorded owner was Elizabeth Archibald (a maiden lady) and I understand that a deed was not drawn up until some sort of structure was built on the property, so I would assume that she was the builder. In later years, it did become "Stover's" mill. Otto Bade 12/23/2007*

Not very much is known about the early years of the mills operation, only that it was built in 1720, was used as a grist mill and saw mill, and in later years was used to grind oyster shells, closing in the early 1940's.

The rear of the mill displays some window placement in what is termed "split-level". This was usually done to provide the available light from outside to brighten the millwheel and grinding areas.

The wooden overshot waterwheel axle in place. The height up to the penstock delivering the water would make the wheel at least a 6' radius. The wheel pit itself below the axle is completely silted in with dirt and gravel.

The millstone hoist swung out over the waterwheel axle of the previous photo. The millstones for grinding were located on the main floor (lower door from the front view). Notice the shortened penstock coming through the front mill wall below ground level below the catwalk. The mill headrace must be quite long to get the required head as Watson's Creek flows from Spring Valley towards the mill. The race probably came off the creek about 3000' up Mill Rd. on the east side of the road near the Spring Valley Roller Mills, followed the east side, then crossed under the road, through the lawn area and into the front of the mill.

A corner fireplace on the 1st floor which indicates this corner was probably the office. The problem is there is no chimney for the fireplace. The chimney that is on the roof, has no visible continuence on the interior front, left corner, in addition to the fact that it would be on the wrong corner?

The mill sack hoist inside the door immediately below the catshead above the front upper door. The mechanism was powered from the drive train powered by the waterwheel.

The miller's house on the mill property. The oldest stone cabin section, the middle with the enclosed porch, was built 12 years after the mill structure in 1732. The stone part on the right was built in 1750, and the frame portion on the left was built in 1993. A frame cottage, unphotographed, was built in 1939. Another dwelling several hundred feet SE of the main house used to be part of the original porperty and probably dates to the early-mid 1800's.

The mill is owned by Otto & Dae Bade, who purchased the entire farm of 10 acres in 1981. The buildings were very rundown and neglected. After many years of sweat and toil over the grounds and buildings, the farm is now worth substancially more then when purchased.

Mr. Bade, although retired from silversmithing, still maintains Orbs Silversmiths shop at 127A South Main Street, in New Hope, Pa. The barn, built in 1803, is actually air conditioned and houses a craft shop business that his wife, Dae runs.

Mr. Bade began in New York City apprenticing to a silversmithing company while in his late teens, saved his money, learned the business well, and after taking several wage cuts was finally going to be asked to suffer another wage cut for financial reasons. He countered by making an offer on the company and resultantly became the new owner of same. A very resilient fellow with an eye for restoration of historical features, very evident in the loving care that has turned Grist Mill Manor Farm into a showplace.