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The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills is an international organization which is dedicated by its constitution to:
"promote interest in old mills and other Americana now quickly passing from the present scene. It reports to its members through a quarterly magazine...keeps files and maintains a library on mills...and acts as a clearing house on milling information among all those interested."
The Society, also known as SPOOM, was chartered in Maine as a non-profit organization in 1972. Its members
include mill owners, old mill buffs, museum curators, conservators, writers, teachers, artists, photographers,
equipment supply firms, and institutions such as libraries. Membership is open to any individual who shares
the interests and purposes of SPOOM. The Society shares common interests with the
International Molinological Society (TIMS) which is
a world-wide organization of old mill enthusiasts and scholars with headquarters in England.
Doing research or need some mill information?
SPOOM offers technical articles and other resources related to Gristmills, Windmills, Sawmill, Watermill,
Water Turbine, Millstone, Burr Stone, Roller Mill, Tide Mill, Historic Mills, Flour Mills, and much more.
Looking To Buy Or Trade Mill Related Items?
Need Online Mill Information
SPOOM also offers many pages dedicated to providing online information. You can learn about activities and locations of mills that are open to the public.
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Great Lakes Chapter Meets
By Esther Middlewood, Vice President
Nearly 50 Great Lakes SPOOMers and guests attended the Spring chapter meeting at Hadley Mill (MI-044-003) on May 31, 2009. Built around 1873 by Peter Slimmer, the mill is an old landmark in Hadley, Michigan, having served the local community for almost 90 years before it ceased operation in 1964. The current mill is the third built on the site.
Ralph and Marie Hartwig, who became owners of the mill, donated the mill and acreage for a park to Hadley Township in 2002. The Hadley Township Historical Society formed to collect and preserve items of historical significance. After four years of hard work by a variety of community members and generous donations from others, the Hadley Mill Museum became a reality. The Museum not only contains milling equipment but also many other artifacts. The first floor is dedicated to the rich agricultural heritage of the area, while other floors contain items representing the balanced lifestyle of residents—church, home, school, and business.
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Mid-Atlantic Chapter Plans for August 8 and 9th 2008 Meeting
By Judith Grove, Chairperson of Wallace Cross Mill Friends Group
The next Mid-Atlantic Chapter meeting of SPOOM (Society for the Preservation of Old Mills) will be held in York County Pennsylvania on Friday and Saturday, August 8 & 9. The historic Wallace Cross Mill www.yorkcountyparks.org and Muddy Creek Forks Mill www.maandparailroad.com in southern York County and the reconstructed Bradley Mill located within the Agricultural and Industrial Museum www.yorkheritage.org in downtown York will all be featured. Knowledgeable experts will be available at all three sites to describe the restoration and interpretation process.
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