History
of Greenbank Mill
The
Early Years
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The
first mill at Greenbank was reportedly called the Swede's
Mill dating from 1677. Not much is known of this mill
except a vague description and undeciphered archaeological
remains. In the 1760's, the present gristmill was built
as a merchant mill to export flour. According to local
legend, George Washington posted a guard at the mill when
American troops took up positions along the Red Clay Creek
after the Battle of Cooche's Bridge. |
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| After
the Revolutionary War, the mill declined and was sold
at auction in 1790. New mill owner Robert Philips contracted
with Delaware inventor and neighbor, Oliver Evans
(1755-1819) in
1793 to have Evans' milling system installed. Evans received
U.S. Patent No. 3 for his revolutionary milling system
which he developed along the banks of Red Clay Creek
less than a mile from Greenbank. |
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Using a network
of bucket elevators and screw conveyors, Evans automated
the milling process, saving much time and labor. His
engineering genius led to other inventions, including
the high-pressure steam engine. At Greenbank, the new
machinery brought success allowing the mill owners to
expand and diversify.
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The
Nineteenth Century
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In 1810 a stone
building was constructed next to the gristmill, expanding
operations to include wool processing. The new building was
called the Madison Factory, after President James Madison.
Strong anit-British sentiments in existence prior to the War
of 1812 and trade restrictions encouraged the development
of American textiles. A need for fine wool led to speculation
in merino sheep. The Madison Factory grew to house the entire
wool production process, from the back of the sheep to the
back of man. The process included departments for carding,
spinning, weaving and finishing as well as a complete dye
house.
But American woolens
could not compete with cheaper goods from England once hostilities
ceased. Trying to adapt to the changing market, the millers
began producing a variety of wood products in 1850. Sawmills
had been a part of the ever-growing complex since 1824, but
in now Thomas Blanchard's woodworking machines and the first
circular saw mill in New Castle County were added. Blanchard's
irregular copying lathe and bending machine were important
in changing woodworking from hand work to a production line
process. The mill began producing bentwood camp chairs, spokes
and felloes for carriages, tool handles, ladders, and croquet
sets. Woodworking ended at the mill in 1881 when a partner
embezzled $20,000.
After nearly a
century, the mill left the Philips family control when it
was sold at sheriff's sale. Ownership of the mill changed
often during the next few decades as Greenbank Mill tried
to define it role in the changing marketplace.
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Roy
Magargal and the 20th Century
| In
1925, Greenbank Mill was operating as a gristmill and
a wholesale/retail feed business. It was at that time
that J. Roy Magaragal (1893-1972) came to work at the
mill. Starting as a truck driver, he learned the miller's
trade on the job. He continued working at the mill the
rest of his life, through several owners and partnerships.
Even after the 1969 fire, he ran a feed business out of
the office. Long-time residents of the area still remember
Mr. Magargal and the special place his milling operation
had in the community. |
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The
Fire - Beginning a New Chapter in the History of Greenbank Mill
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In
1969, a devastating fire set by arsonists ended nearly
three centuries of milling at Greenbank. The stone Madison
Factory was destroyed, and the frame gristmill was gutted,
creating a need for extensive restorations. |
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