PROCEEDINGS 



OF THK 



Delaware County Institute of Science 



Vol. II, No. 3 April, 1907 



THE SYCAMORE MILL- 



Of all the relics of the old days left to a community b}' its 

 forefathers, none appeal so strongly to the delver in local his- 

 tory as the remains of former mill sites along its water courses. 

 Delaware County, with its four goodly sized streams, Darby 

 Creek, Crum Creek, Ridley Creek and Chester Creek, has been 

 well favored in inheriting numerous mills and mill sites, all in 

 various stages of dilapidation. 



In old times these creeks furnished power for many a busy 

 miller. But steam power and the segregation of industries 

 has been rapidly bringing about the disappearance of the old- 

 time grist mill, and its disappearance from the landscape 

 removes one of its most picturesque features. Few of the 

 old mills are now in operation, and the abandoned ones are 

 fast disappearing from the sight and memory of man. 



However, one of the most beautiful spots in the county of 

 this character has fallen into good hands, and its present owner 

 is doing everything possible to preserve it in a condition agree- 

 able alike to antiquarian and artist. Sycamore Mill, or 

 Bishop's Mill, or, as it was known in old times, the Upper 

 Providence Corn Mill, has now become the property of Mr. 

 H. H. Battles, of Newtown Township, and it is due to his 

 kindness that the Institute is enabled to publish the history 

 CO and pictures of this beautiful and historic corner of our county. 

 '"^ It may be added that the Sycamore Mill is particularly 





