Mills

The different that were mills along the Ramapo River were called a gristmill, sawmill, hoe factory; Rolling Mill, Slitting Mill, and a Cotton Mill. The first mill I learned about that was along the Ramapo River was a Gristmill. This Gristmill opened in 1820. This Gristmill was located at the west bank of the Ramapo River. At this Gristmill they grounded grain into flour. The mill almost closed in 1831 when the owner Abram Dater died, but the mill was sold to Sterling Company, who operated the mill for a short time. This mill was very important when it was being operated. The mill was important to our economy because people would come to Sloatsburg to get flour from the mill.

In 1813 Abram Dater had 6 forges along the Ramapo River. He also owned the Gristmill. His son-in-law, Thomas Ward built a sawmill in 1835. At this mill they chopped wood. After 12 years, in 1847, the mill closed down. When this mill closed down, in 1847, right away a hoe factory was built.

Yes, it’s true, a hoe factory was built in 1847.The hoe factory was owned by Adna Allen. He moved his hoe factory to Stony Brook, purchasing Ward’s sawmill to house it. Here, handles made of ash were put on metal parts, which were manufactured by the Rolling mill of the Ramapo Manufacturing Co. At this mill they made hoes, but they made different kinds of hoes. One of the hoes I know they made was used for gardening. The other hoe they made was called a Three Cornered Hoe. This hoe was used for cleaning out barrels to put whale oil in. The Hoe Factory closed after 2 years in 1849.

Another mill I learned about was called the Rolling Mill. This Rolling Mill opened in 1812. This mill was located on the north side of the Ramapo River. This mill had different types of nails in it. This mill closed down after18 years in 1820.

The next mill I learned about was called a Slitting Mill. This mill opened in 1812. This mill was located on the north side of the Ramapo River. This mill made iron bars or plates that are slit into narrow strips. This mill closed down in 1820. While this mill was around it was important to our economy because if people wanted to build something that needed iron bars they could get them at the Slitting Mill.

The last, but not least, mill I learned about was called Jacob Sloat’s Cotton Mill. This mill opened in 1815. This mill was made to spin yarn to make cotton cloth. This mill changed over the years, but was actually in existence until 1955 when it burned down. It was then called the Ramapo Piece and Dye works.

Sloatsburg’s population increased because of all the mills along the Rampo River. They employed many people and helped Sloatsburg’s economy grow.

I hope that you enjoyed my report about the mills along the Ramapo River!!!