Robert Miller, president of the Whitehall Historical Preservation Society, says wistfully that some members of the society would like to restore the Helfrich Springs Grist Mill.

The mill has been stripped of nearly all its equipment and would require a major effort to restore it. However, the goal of turning it into a museum for Whitehall has been achieved.

A restoration expert said he could get the mill working, but it would cost too much money, Miller said.

The barn across the parking lot from the Grim House contains many parts of the mill. Much of the metal equipment was sold to benefit the drive for World War II.

The mill was built by the Peter Grim family in 1807 and later was taken over by the Helfrich family, which owns a farm down the road.

It began with a water wheel and was changed over to a turbine.

Deer approach the mill, says Miller. Plants were provided for the landscaping.

The floor beams are original. Sun Valley dog food bags were donated. Miller believes the miller either made the dog food or ground the grain that was used.

There was a loading dock on an addition, which also housed the equipment used to drive the machinery.

"I like old buildings and think this should be used without abuse," Miller said.

The society holds its meetings there.

There are photographs of old bridges in Whitehall taken by a school bus driver. Both the main and second floor are filled with museum displays.

Dick Matthews built an approximately 4-foot working model of the mill.

The mill is on Helfrich Creek, a small stream that flows peacefully to the Jordan Creek. However, Miller has seen the water rise as high as a vent in the wall.

The main beam had to be replaced and one was rescued when an old silk mill was torn down.

A hammer with a blade instead of a flat head remains. It was used to dress the millstones to put furrows in them to produce the grinding face.

There is a large collection of arrowheads

From the basement, Miller said, it is down two stories to the water. At one time a bank robber hid in the stairway. He was caught, Miller said.

"Some of these boards don't look good," said Miller, adding, "but they are 200 years old."

The Helfrich Springs Grist Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. It is a beautiful and cared for stone building.

The grist mill is open to the public for regular monthly meetings, special events and by appointment.

For more information, call 610-776-7166.