Literary Inspirations

The beauty and power of the historic mill inspired generations of its owners. In 1873, Sara Louisa  Vickers Oberholtzer captured the charm of her husband John Oberholtzer’s “ancient mill” in poetry.

At the Old Mill was published in her 1873 book of verse, Violet Lee.

       At the Old Mill

Radiant day is slowly fading,
And the evening calm and still,
Gazing through the oak and willow,
Stoops to kiss the ancient mill.

Listen to the damsel dancing
To the jig of fee and flour,
And the water-wheel revolving
With a dashing, constant power.

There is music in the rattle
Of the tinkling wheat that falls
In the hopper, as the miller
Stops to heed the gristman’s calls.

Yes, I love this shaded building,
Love the flowing stream and flowers,
Love to hear the busy clatter
On the lingering summer hours.

More than all, I love the miller,
For his sake, I love the rest;
Of this world and its enchantments
I adore him the best.

Of these twilights I would weary
If his voice came not to cheer.
And this mill – life would grow dreary
If my darling was not here.