Cooper Gristmill is a historic gristmill in Chester, New Jersey. It was built in 1793 and is the oldest operating gristmill in the state. The mill grinds corn into flour using a water wheel-powered millstone. It is open to the public for tours and also sells flour and other mill-made products.
The Gristmill is located on the Raritan River, which provides the power to operate the mill. The waterwheel is 16 feet in diameter and turns at a rate of about two revolutions per minute. It takes about an hour to grind a bushel of corn into flour.
The mill was built by John Cooper, a Revolutionary War veteran, and his son, Isaac. It has been in continuous operation since it was built and is now owned and operated by the Cooper Mill Association. The mill is open to the public for tours and also sells flour and other mill-made products.
What To Do
The Nathan Cooper Gristmill is an historic gristmill located on the Black River in Chester Township, Morris County, New Jersey. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 due to its importance to the industry. Today, the mill is open to visitors for a guided tour and educational programs. While at the Cooper gristmill, visitors can learn about the different stages of the mill’s operation and see some of the historic machinery.
In addition to exploring the historic mill and museum, visitors can participate in fun activities during their visit. In the spring, the Cooper Gristmill hosts HomeSchool Grain to the Gallery and Math in the Mill programs. During the summer, the mill hosts a Chester Railroad extravaganza, Art programs, and a Muffin Baking Workshop. The park also offers a stream-fishing event for children.
During the spring and summer, the Cooper Gristmill offers a number of special events. From April to June, you can attend the HomeSchool Math in the Mill and Grain to Gallery programs. June and August bring Art programs, a Sail and Muffin Baking Workshop, and Industrial Crafts day. You can even catch fish at the nearby stream. The Cooper Gristmill provides plenty of family fun for all ages.
The mill was once a thriving industrial town and played a crucial role in the development of the state during the Industrial Revolution. Today, visitors can buy stone-ground cornmeal and flour and learn about its history and role in the region.
The Kay Center is a great place to go for arts and culture in Chester, NJ. They offer classes and workshops in all sorts of art forms, from painting to dance to music. They also have a gallery where local artists can exhibit their work, and a performance space where talented musicians and actors can perform.