Reckart's Mill Traditional Cache
Backwoods Reviewer: As the owner has not responded to my prior note, I am archiving this listing.
Backwoods Reviewer
Geocaching.com Community Volunteer Reviewer
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Reckart's Mill, National Historic Site. This site is easy to get to but once you approach the large metal wheel and side of the building, the GPS signal becomes problematic. Look to the hint.
This section of Muddy Creek in North Central West Virginia is well suited for water powered mills. At one time three mills were house along this portion of the creek, but only Reckart's Mill has survived.
Built in 1865 by Henry Albright, this three story post and beam mill actually spans across Muddy Creek. Two dams
approximately 400 yards upstream divert water down to the overshot wheel. Power is transferred to an elaborate belt
and pully system that runs the mill. It also powered a cider press, a wood planer, and jointer that are no longer in
operation. Power is used on all three floors to power crackers, shellers, elevators, and sifters. Four sets of French millstones are housed in the mill, each with its own support system. This was done so the vibration of the stones
would not destroy the mill. Each set of stones is said to weigh two tons
Grain, buckwheat, and corn were shoveled into elevators on the lower floor, and from there began the trek through the mill; up on the third floor to be cleaned and/or cracked, then down hoppers to the stones on the second floor.
After grinding through the stones, the material enters elevators which transport it to the third floor for sifting.
Sifting cloth separates the fines, middlings, and bran, and it enters hoppers for weighing and bagging.
John Henry Reckart purchased the mill store and mill house in 1908 from Mr. Albright. John Henry ran the grist
mill, cider press, wood shop, and general store across the street until 1943 when his health forced him to close down.
During this time the wooden wheel was replaced with a Filz 20-foot steel wheel in the 1920s. Most of the original
equiptment has remained intact and is on display. For his millwright services, John Henry received 8% of the flour for payment, and this he sold in the general store.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vs lbh jnag gb svaq guvf pnpur, trg oruvaq gur jurry. Vs lbh fgvyy pna'g svaq vg, furyir gur vqrn. Guvf uvag fubhyq ternfr lbhe jnl.