New Hope for the Jerusalem Mill

Page three

NEW HOPE FOR THE JERUSALEM MILL

Jerusalem Mill, MD., Part II

by Terry L. Linton Regional Reporter

Old Mills News © ISSN 0276-3338

Publication of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills Vol. XV, No 3, Whole Number 60, © Summer 1987 page 10

photos added in

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contuned from page two

It next became clear to the Friends, that architectural experts and structural engineers had to go into the Mill and determine whether or not it is structurally possible to save the Mill, then to restore the Mill, or just preserve the out side shell. Also a estimate of the cost of both was needed to aid in their fight to save the Mill. In December of 1985, Mr. Jerome Lamprecht, a "historic" structural engineer was brought in to inspect the Mill. Mr. Lamprect had over seen the 1971 and 1976 stabilization of the Mill. He reported that the "structure is definitely savable but there are immediate problems that have to be faced. A large portion of the east stone wall has disintegrated, due to years of water damage This wall and foundation needs repairs of a permanent nature in the very near future. Also, a portion of the west stone wall is buckling inwards and another portion of the same wall is buckling outwards". also reported that, "after permanent structural repairs are made, in it's present interior condition, the Mill would never operate again, because most of it's working parts were scavenged by other mills in Maryland for their restoration". Mr. Jerome Lamprecht also said "the Mill is historically important, I believe this was the first mill in the country to use a horizontal axis water wheel".

Above: The third level steps of Jerusalem Mill photo by Š Diane Linton

Below:: Jerusalem Mill's third level grain storage wood bends photo Š 1984 Terry Louis Linton

The estimates on the total cost of the stabilization and restoring the Jerusalem Mill are still not complete today. But the Friends of Jerusalem Mill did get The State Department of Natural Resources to request $122,000 for design work, -estimat6s on restoration, and basic stabilization, and another $1,600,000 for construction. However, for the last three State Budget years this money has been cut out by the State Planning Department prior to reaching the Maryland State legislative level. With, the now apparently imminent danger of the Jerusalem Mill falling down from it's own massive weight, the Friends of Jerusalem Mill have now convened the Department of Natural Resources to spend $24,500 of their own, emergency maintenance money, on external stabilization of the Jerusalem Mill. This is a "one-time-only federal reimbursement money", to be used as contract money payed to the firm of Preservation Associates. This money was hard fought for by the Friends of Jerusalem Mill and Gunpowder Falls State Park Manager, Richard Barton. The contract has been signed and they will begin work as soon as possible. With this emergency stabilization money, the Jerusalem Mill has new hope of standing for a few more years! Now, the fight to have the Mill Complex included in the State's Capital Budget has intensified this year, with two new approaches to get the money. First, getting the Mill included on the National Register of Historic Places, which would make federal funds slightly more accessible. Secondly, since one of the major stopping blocks in the State Legislature is, "what public benefit is it to this spending of millions of dollars on a building and just letting it sit idle", the Friends of Jerusalem Mill and the Park Service are now working together to combine the 1981 Gunpowder Falls State Park, "approved Master Plan", to build a new administrative headquarters and maintenance area, with the restoration of the Jerusalem Mill. These two combined projects, with part of the Mill building be rehabilitated as Park Headquarters and offices, as well as providing meeting-space and displays for community organizations. Harry Sanders said, "this combining of the two projects as a joint effort will save money, move both projects forward sooner, and be compatible with both the Park needs and the neighborhood desires".