Opening Day at the Mill at Anselma
Monday, April 12, 2010 at 11:59AM | Post a Comment 
April 10th was Opening Day at The Mill at Anselma ... in which we got to showcase our brand new banner!
(...and there was much rejoicing...)
I (Gina) had heard of this historic spot before, through Denise and Yvonne of Cooking for Real.. who had established a Farmer's Market there, but had never been to visit this exquisite piece of preserved industrial history, right in our own backyard.
We (Bill and I) representing the Lionville Natural Pharmacy and the Holistic Center as the primary sponsor for the Mill's Opening Day, set up our information table next to the gift shop, where we hoped to attract the attention of folks passing by. There was a bit of interest, but overall, it was not a heavily attended event.
Still, as I said, it was a beautiful, if rather chilly and breezy day, and the relaxed pace allowed us some time to wander around the grounds and check out the Mill.
What can I say ... it was pretty cool!
Big heavy machinery is not usually my thing, but I do love history, and so I was impressed by how much of the equipment and mechanisms are still in or close to their original state.. mostly made of wood, and still in use. The sounds inside the mill house.. the gears turning, the water wheel spinning... I think are what got me. The stories of how the Mill had been passed on through several families since it was built in 1747, as well as how it became multi-purposed in more recent economic hard times was also intriguing.
Almost forgot to mention, the theme of the day was "Tried-and-true (and not so true!) remedies of
Dr Mom in colonial dress.. Early America" featuring Dr. Mom.. a woman (her actual name escapes me at the moment. sorry!) who began cultivating a garden in the 70's in the manner it was done back in the 18th century.. which she still maintains to this day. She was a wealth of information about herbs and colonial-era medicine.. she even has her own still!
Overall, it's a pretty cool place to come visit.. the grounds are beautiful, and the buildings so characteristic of old Chester County architecture. And the people working there.. so very friendly, knowledgable, and dedicated to this special place. (Say hi to Jenn Green!)