EVANS-MUMBOWER MILL - A TREASURED PAST

EVANS- MUMBOWER MILL 

http://www.wvwa.org/evans_mill.htm

Old buildings have always fascinated me. So much history can be found within a building's walls. I think about the people that once lived there, the lives they led. I wonder what they did for fun, what their family's were like. How they died. 

So...when I discovered that an old mill that once belonged to my great-great grandfather was still intact and was in fact, owned by a historical society,  I couldn't wait to see it.

Abraham Evans built the original Evan's Saw Mill in 1745. The mill was located along the Wissahickon Creek in Flourtown, Pennsylvania. Many mills were built along the creek at that time but today they are gone, forgotten. The Evan's Mill was originally powered by a water wheel, then later a steam or gasoline engine. Several owners held it thereafter. The mills supplied power to local industries which made paper, lumber and ground grain. The original Evan's mill was demolished and a new mill built in its place somewhere in the late 18 Century.

Henry Mumbower bought the Evan's Mill in 1858 and it was ran by his  family until around 1930. Henry had a wife named Catherine and eight children. His granddaughter, Grace Mumbower Hicks was my grandmother. She name my father after Henry Mumbower and her other son, David after David Mumbower.

Today the Evans-Mumbower Mill is owned by the Towamencin Historical Society, who have restored the mill to its former glory. Tours and events occur throughout the year. I visited the mill last year and had gotten to see the workings of the mill and how it was powered. It was fascinating.  I tried to imagine my grandfather working in the building. I could almost feel his presence.

I'm looking forward  to the 2013 Halloween season, when the mill will be turned into a Halloween attraction. Stay tuned for further information when the time arises.  I plan on visiting it this year when Ole Henry will rise from his grave and I can finally meet Grandpa Henry face to face.

THE MUMBOWER MILL when my family owned it.

The Mill Today

Henry & Katherine Mumbower & daughter

                                   

Mumbower Clan

My Grandmother, Grace Mumbower

Free tours of the Mill are given at 1:00pm to 4:00pm on the third Sunday of the month in the spring, summer and fall. 

Address:
Evans- Mumbower Mill
Evergreen Drive and Swedesford Road
Flourtown, PA 19038

http://www.wvwa.org/evans_mill.htm