Reckart
Mill
Glenn & Terri Hardesty
Open from April 1 through October 31
Sunday through Thursday, by appointment or chance
Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A guided tour is available as well as a museum to explain the history of
the mill.
For additional information call (304) 789-2225.
General store on the property selling local crafts
Directions/Location:
From Cuzzart take the Cuzzart-Cranesville Road past Reckart Store and
Reckart School to the Mill (This road is often very bad)
Reckart Mill, West of Cranesville at Jct of SR 28 and SR 47/2
History
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 Hebry 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 shoved 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, thematerial 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 int he 1920s. Most of the original equiptment has remianed intact and is on display. For his mill wright services, John Henry received 8% of the flour for payment, and this he sold in the general store.
Personal letter to all from Glenn & Terrie Hardesty
Our purpose is to preserve and restore the mill while at the same time educating the public on the history of Reckar'ts Mill and the economics and social empact it had on the surounding communities.
We formed a non-profit foundation "F.O.R.M." in 1997 to help restore Reckart's Mill to working order so the American people can see how things were.
Many items need attention, such as the foundation, damaged timbers, leaking roof, windows, and many more items. The slue box was lost in a winter storm in 1995 and needs to be rebuilt. The raceway has been partially filled in with rick and needs to be piped from the dams. Both dams need reconstructed, but the race between them is in good shape. A 20 foot Fritz water-wheel needs some repair work, and the buckets need to be restored, balanced, painted, and relined.
With your support we look forward to restoring this national treasure. ONe hundred percent (100%) of all donated funds go into F.O.R.M. to restore Reckart's Mill. No funds are used to pay directors or overhead, as this is all volunteered. Much of the labor has also been donated to this restoration project. Your contributions are needed to help us restore this piece of history.
So please help in any way you feel you can,
Glenn & Terri Hardesty
RR2 Box 31
Terra Alta, WV 26764
(304) 789-2225