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| The Paint Mill as it looks today Photo Retrieved From: Google Maps |
First off, I would like to thank Joe Ulrich, a follower of the page, for bringing this topic to my attention. I was completely unaware of this building and its wonderful history before he mentioned it. I have learned so much from the amazing people that make up this page. For that, I thank all of you.
So let’s dive into yet another interesting tale, this time from Antes Fort, Lycoming County! The subject of this trip into the past is the Old Paint Mill, a structure that now lives out its days as a popular social hall along PA Route 44. The building’s name should be a hint to its origins, however I was surprised to find out that it was just one chapter of its “colorful” story.
To explore this building's past, we have to go all the way back to 1865 with the establishment of the Nippenose Manufacturing Company for the purpose of producing wool and fabric. Construction of the mill along Antes Creek commenced the same year under George Washington Youngman. It took two years to complete the mill. Once finished, the building stood four stories tall and measured 51ft. X 105ft. Production began on January 1, 1867. Major industrial cities including Philadelphia and New York purchased material from the mill.
Business at the mill thrived until the Flood of 1889 forced G.W. Youngman to close. It reopened a year later as the Leinbach Woolen Mill and continued operation until at least 1902.
In 1907 the woolen mill was converted into a paint factory by the Pennsylvania Black & Red Filler Company. Local stone deposits were utilized to manufacture pigments, fillers, and polishing compounds. These materials were then crushed using the natural power of Antes Creek to turn a waterwheel that then powered the grinding machines.
So let’s dive into yet another interesting tale, this time from Antes Fort, Lycoming County! The subject of this trip into the past is the Old Paint Mill, a structure that now lives out its days as a popular social hall along PA Route 44. The building’s name should be a hint to its origins, however I was surprised to find out that it was just one chapter of its “colorful” story.
To explore this building's past, we have to go all the way back to 1865 with the establishment of the Nippenose Manufacturing Company for the purpose of producing wool and fabric. Construction of the mill along Antes Creek commenced the same year under George Washington Youngman. It took two years to complete the mill. Once finished, the building stood four stories tall and measured 51ft. X 105ft. Production began on January 1, 1867. Major industrial cities including Philadelphia and New York purchased material from the mill.
Business at the mill thrived until the Flood of 1889 forced G.W. Youngman to close. It reopened a year later as the Leinbach Woolen Mill and continued operation until at least 1902.
In 1907 the woolen mill was converted into a paint factory by the Pennsylvania Black & Red Filler Company. Local stone deposits were utilized to manufacture pigments, fillers, and polishing compounds. These materials were then crushed using the natural power of Antes Creek to turn a waterwheel that then powered the grinding machines.
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| A large smokestack stands behind the building Photo Retrieved From: Google Maps |
Around 1911, the mill was acquired by the Penn Keystone Company, another paint-based enterprise. The mill’s equipment was updated and production continued under this company until 1932, when it was sold at sheriff's sale to the Penn Paint & Filler Company. This corporation continued operations at the mill for the next several decades. Worthy of note is that one of the grinding machines still utilized the antiquated waterwheel to power it until the late 1940’s, when it was finally replaced by a diesel engine.
The flow of water, the lifeblood for the mill for over 100 years, became the force that nearly destroyed it in 1972. Hurricane Agnes ripped Antes Creek out of its banks, creating a battering ram that eventually undermined the creek facing foundation wall. With the backbone of the building broken, Penn Paint & Filler Co. ceased operations thereafter.
All was not lost for the historic building, for in 1991, it was purchased by Circle K Inc. who began restoration work. The building’s width was cut down to 31 feet and the top two floors removed. It opened as a social hall in 1993.
Information Retrieved From:
Welshans, W. (2008). Nippenose valley. Arcadia Publishing. Retrieved from: https://books.google.com/booksid=9f3TmFl9MckC&pg=PA4&dq=nip…
Antes Fort Historical Days.(1992). The old woolen mill
Miller, B. (1911). Plant of penn keystone company, williamsport. The Mineral Pigments of Pennsylvania, (4). Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books…
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| The Paint Mill in 1958 Photo Retrieved From: The Lock Haven Express |
All was not lost for the historic building, for in 1991, it was purchased by Circle K Inc. who began restoration work. The building’s width was cut down to 31 feet and the top two floors removed. It opened as a social hall in 1993.
Information Retrieved From:
Welshans, W. (2008). Nippenose valley. Arcadia Publishing. Retrieved from: https://books.google.com/booksid=9f3TmFl9MckC&pg=PA4&dq=nip…
Antes Fort Historical Days.(1992). The old woolen mill
Miller, B. (1911). Plant of penn keystone company, williamsport. The Mineral Pigments of Pennsylvania, (4). Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books…
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