Preservation Plan
Emergency Structural Stabilization Plan
The Old Millstone Forge is one of the only continuously operating forges in existence. The forge was established in 1828 as a Blacksmith Shop and remained in operation for 125 years, The Old Millstone Forge Association was founded nearly 50 years ago and is one of the earliest community efforts to preserve a historic structure including the crafts performed within. This building stands as a monument to blacksmithing, once a vital feature of the region’s economy. Moreover, the significant collection of blacksmithing tools make the combination of the building, its blacksmithing activities using its collection a very significant historic site.
Historic Building Architects, LLC (HBA) completed a Historic Preservation Plan and Emergency Structural Stabilization for the building in 2007. The aim was to address the physical needs of the exterior and interior of the building and identify emergency structural issues in need of stabilization, as well as to document the historic materials used, including mortar analysis and exterior paint analysis. A comprehensive cataloguing of the tools and artifacts collection contained in the building was documented by Jack Dempsey, an expert in collection of blacksmithing tools. Historic research was completed by Dennis Bertland.
In 2008, HBA are working to implement the recommended Emergency Stabilization project. Services include Contract Documents and Construction Administration. Both the Preservation Plan and the Emergency Stabilization Construction project were funded by grants from Somerset County Historic Commission. HBA assisted in preparing these grant applications in collaboration with the Old Millstone Forge Association. The immediate stabilization work will include the stabilization of the Forge chimney, as well as masonry foundation walls. This area is prone to flooding and, therefore, the reocmmendations are especially designed to address this issue.
Site Development by KickGraphics