April 12, 2005
The Mill at Anselma Designated National Landmark

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton has designated the Mill at Anselma, (also known as Lightfoot Mill) as one of 24 new National Historic Landmarks. National Historic Landmarks are recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as nationally significant properties that represent or illustrate an important theme, event, or person in our Nation’s history.

Located in Chester Springs, Chester County, the Mill at Anselma (c. 1747) was recognized as a National Historic Landmark for representing

an extremely rare archetypal example of a small eighteenth century custom grain mill with its surviving, completely intact, power transmission system. Surveys suggest that no other custom mills in the United States survive from this period with intact machinery. The basic technology of this mill dates from the mid-eighteenth century, adapted to make use of several of the automating inventions of the famous American inventor, Oliver Evans, which were appended to the original works. At Lightfoot, one can see the impact of automation on traditional milling. Milling machinery requires constant repair, maintenance and replacement of its moving parts. At Lightfoot, this process has occurred using in-kind materials and in original order and forms. The milling system functions today much as it did in the mid-eighteenth century.

While the Mill at Anselma has been on the National Historic Register since 1973, its new designation as a National Historic Landmark places the grist mill among fewer than 2500 historic sites that are recognized by the U.S. Government as having value to all Americans.

The National Historic Landmark grist mill was restored to operation in 2004 by the Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust as an innovative historical and educational resource for the public. At the Mill at Anselma, visitors experience three centuries of America’s technological and agricultural heritage through flour grinding demonstrations, tours and hands-on activities. Acknowledging the designation, Mill Trust Board Chair Maurice W. Kring “thanks all who have contributed so much in the past to save and preserve this historic mill in its natural and cultural setting.” A ceremony to mark the Mill’s designation as a National Historic Landmark will be planned for the fall.

The Mill at Anselma will open for its 2005 Season on Saturday, May 7th with an Open House that runs from 9 AM to 4 PM. This free event will feature flour grinding demonstrations, a bake sale, flower and plant sale, Old Time Music and a Barbeque. Beginning May 7, the Mill will be open for tours on Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays, 1 – 4 PM through November. Admission.

The Mill at Anselma is located on Rt. 401 (Conestoga Road), ½ mile west of Rt. 113 in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.  For more information, contact the Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust at 610-827-1906, hpreiffer@anselmamill.org or visit www.anselmamill.org.