Thomas Phillips Grist Mill / McLaughlin Mill
New Castle Co. | Delaware | USA
Watersource: Christiana Creek.
Thomas Phillips Grist Mill / McLaughlin Mill
This mill is located on the north side of Sh 273/Nottingham Road, just west of its junction with Casho Mill Road, in the development of Phillips Mill. It is on the west side of the city of Newark. 708-712 Nottingham Road.
Thomas Pillips bought 204 acres in 1794, and completed his grist mill and saw mill from 1795-98.
Upon completion of the milling complex, Phillips had aquired an additional 49 acres to total 254 acres.
The mill is currently 3.5 stories in height, the lower story of stone and frame and the 35'X 45' mill has dormers on both sides of the roof, essentially making it4.5 stories.
In 1824, the grist and saw mills were sold at Sherriff's sale to James Ray. Ray sold to WIlliam H. Robinson, who in turn, sold the parcel to Constantine McLaughlin in 1854. McLaughlin was the owner and proprietor until his death in 1882.
There were references to a McLaughlin Mill at this location in the Beer Atlas of 1868 and the "Gawkers" American Flour Mill and Mill Furnishers Directory of 1884. The nearby Miller's House and owner's house were probably added sometime before 1821.
In 1885, the mill was refitted with new roller equipment, requiring three workers to produce about 30 barrels of flour daily. By 1922, the mill had outlived its usefulness and all production ceased. A sectional French buhr millstone at the mill, a netherstone since it is flat on both sides.
The saw mill was torn down soon after the sale in 1854, as the local trees became scarce and not of sufficient numbers to log profitably. The photo shows a large wooden main gear with wooden replaceable teeth displayed in the Phillips Mill development near the mill.
A German bank barn associated with the mill complex. The extended portion of the rear of the barn bridges between the barn and the barn bridge, with a walk-under possible wagon/drive-under out of the weather. The barn dates about the same time period as the house.
The mill has currently or very recently been renovated to apartments/condos to fit into the new housing development of Phillips Mills. GPS: 75' 38.39W, 39'44.43N The mill and property were listed on the National Register of Historic Places on 08/19/83.