Lost Structures

White's Mill Plan

Proposal Submitted Respectfully by:
The Foundation for Historic Building Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 158, Harleysville PA 19438
215-721-4046
A NON-PROFIT FOUNDATION

PLAN OF ACTION:
Historical Documentation on this structure has taken place during our review of the structure. The structure was photographed, field sketched, and researched. Further, an artist rendition of The Foundationís Restoration plan was created. Hereís the short form:

STAGE 1: Spring 2001
Securing and Improving the Aesthetics.

STAGE 2: Spring 2001
Repair work and restoration begins.

STAGE 3: SPRING 2002
MAJOR REPAIRS to roof, finishing stone work, preparation and documentation for OPEN HOUSE in Spring of 2003.

A LANDMARK STRUCTURE
This mill will become a historic icon, a message of a community preserving its history, a symbol of a family willing to save part of its heritage and an educational opportunity for future generations.

A Proposed Plan of Action for White's Mill:

A LANDMARK STRUCTURE IN THE MAKING

STAGE 1: To begin immediately.
In the first 14 days, The Foundation will secure and structurally support the mill creating an aesthetically pleasing facade and protecting the structure from the elements. (i.e. Openings will be closed with common color barn planks or plywood, temporary roof repairs.) Based on structural clues we discovered, an artistís rendition has been created to illustrate our restoration plan. Funded through the sale of dismantled structures from our inventory, a family benefactor, and resident participation, we estimate the complete restoration project will cost $125,000. Recycled parts and materials from previously disassembled structures will be an integral part of our cost-effective approach to this project. The Foundationís unique community leverage and NON-PROFIT status gives assurances that the project WILL NOT become an unfunded, abandoned restoration project in your community.

STAGE 2: To begin in the Spring of 2001.
The Foundation, performing much of the work with our own crew of craftsmen, an enthusiastic volunteer staff and student interns, will begin replacing windows, wood trim, perform painting, etc. to further improve the look of the mill and house. Many of the boarded areas will be appropriately restored at this time with doors, vents and windows. Craftsman will begin work on the stone in areas that require it the most attention. Other artisans and craftsman will be interviewed and asked to quote on the major repairs that are required. This bid process usually takes 90 days.

STAGE 3: MAJOR REPAIRS begin in the Spring of 2002.
Major roof repairs including historical restructuring of the framework and reshingling will take place. Remaining stone work and repairs and finishing touches on the restoration will take place making it ready for a community open house to be held in the Spring of 2003. At the open house, all historical research, photographs (before & after), a video documentary and field sketches will be combined to tell the story of itís rescue and to recognize those entities that have made the restoration possible.

THE IMPORTANCE TO THE FOUNDATION & THE COMMUNITY.
The visibility of the Whiteís Mill and the pure heroic grace of this structure give it a great prominence in our community. The Foundationís goal is to make it an example to other communities who casually destroy heritage structures such as these with out considering their historic value. We will take pride in educating adults and students alike about our historic milling culture, hosting local tours, and encouraging more of this type of rescue. Mills like these are becoming a vanishing icon of our heritage.

Save White's Mill. It's the right thing to do. Answers to the Supervisors.

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