Chapman's Mill

Chapman's (Beverley) Mill News, 2000

Preservation of Chapman's (Beverley) Mill Walls Begins

Beverley Mill had 13 feet of debris which needed to be removed so that an engineer could get in the mill to begin drawing up the plans.

The Madigan Construction Company and a subcontractor, S & S Rock Enterprises recently hauled tons of stone, machine remnants, burned timbers and sand from the mill floor. The sand was originally from the early limestone mortar that was impacted by the heat of the fire.

One of the problems associated with cleaning out the mill was how to lift and move the debris through the narrow ground level doors of the mill. The best solution seemed to be a small Bobcat front-end loader that literally cleared the doorway with two inches to spare. Another obstacle was that the loader had difficulty removing the heaviest debris. The two construction companies finished, with all agreeing it had been difficult but exciting to be involved in such an interesting historical site.

William J Davis Consulting Engineers of Richmond won the contract for preliminary engineering and will soon begin.


Click images for a larger view

The historical significance of Beverley Mill transcends its importance as a plaster and grist mill.

painting of Beverley Mill
Oil painting by Mary Carter
Its stone walls are a symbol of entrepreneurial men such as Jonathon and Nathaniel Chapman, the father and son partnership who's vision in 1742 ignored the proximity of the wilderness, to understand the impact of the German and Scots-Irish settlers moving into Virginia's frontier---the Shenandoah Valley. They understood the new settlers' proclivity for agricultural practices that would benefit wheat and corn growing (not tobacco) and foresaw the coming opportunity.

Beverley Mill reminds us that George Washington was a surveyor and businessman in this area, and visited here to discuss with the Chapmans ventures in land speculation that opened up the Ohio Valley to English occupation, and lead to the French and Indian War.

It is a remembrance of those sturdy settlers that later looked to the stone walls of Beverley Mill for safety during the years before and during the French and Indian Wars.

Beverley Mill reminds us of the freedom loving individuals that walked east, past the mill, to participate in the Revolutionary War.

It is an icon of the growing industrialization and sophisticated transportation systems that brought America to the eminence learned by all of us during our elementary school lessons.

Beverley Mill memorializes all American veterans of war because the mill helped feed them during seven American Wars. It had special meaning to those weary Civil War soldiers and Spanish-American War troops who so intimately knew the rocks, creek and cliffs that distinguish Beverley Mill and Thoroughfare Gap.

Even during the period when the decision was made to close Beverley Mill down as a functioning mill, and then to abandon it altogether, it remained a symbol of a negative phase America was going through as it turned its back on anything that reflected older, smaller, slower America.

Even today, in its ruinous state, it is an icon of the hope many Americans have of being able to appreciate the beauty and splendor of our old sites, the memories they evoke, and the values they reflect.

Let us celebrate that today, two hundred and fifty-eight years after being built, Beverley Mill is still here to share its history.


LOST HISTORIAN !

In May 1981 a Frances Lillian Jones submitted Beverley (Chapman's) Mill, Thoroughfare Gap, Virginia: A History and Preservation Plan as a masters thesis for the George Washington University Graduate School of Historic Preservation. We would like Ms. Jones permission to reprint this document. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate her. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of Ms. Jones, a relative or a possible married name, would they please contact Ellen PercyMiller, Executive Director of Turn The Mill Around Campaign (703) 753-3273.

Volunteers In And Around The Mill !

Although it may not be too evident from the highway, there has been quite a bit of activity going on in and around the mill.

Tons of dead trees, bushes, vines and other vegetation have been removed and recycled at the Prince William County compost site by seven Eagle Scout projects involving clearing the area around the mill. An eighth will take place shortly clearing the mill pond. This clean-up has exposed the beautiful stone walls which had previously been covered, the pathway along the head race and portions of the head race itself.

Local students are also involved at Beverley Mill: upperclassmen at Wakefield School are collecting oral histories from residents who have memories of the mill and activities surrounding it in years past; students from Stonewall Middle School held a Pizza Hut fundraiser; students from George Mason University, Longwood College, and Virginia Tech have used Beverley Mill as the subject of various projects. It is refreshing to see our youth taking such an active and productive interest in the restoration of Beverley Mill.


Asher Grady of Scout Troop 924 completed his Eagle Project clearing the mill grounds.

After the mill floor was emptied of debris, volunteers separated out the metal pieces, tools, wheels, etc. In the process they located three of the four iron plates that will be reused in the pinning of the gable ends when they are rebuilt. In the cooler weather will start the task of separating the salvageable stone that can be used in the restoration.

We couldn't proceed without our volunteers. They have done everything from installing a door bell at our Mountain House office to selling original Beverley Mill flour bags at Haymarket Day. In addition, a number of firms and individuals have stepped forward to donate time and services: Dewberry and Davis donated more than $22,000 of services surveying the property (a TEA-21 requirement); Glen Miller of Miller Brothers Construction; Norfolk Southern Railroad; Manassas National Battlefield Park; Customized Exhibit Options; Web Master Frank Harrell; Prince William and Loudoun County personnel have been outstanding in their support of our goals.


CALL FOR PAPERS

Turn The Mill Around Campaign will be sponsoring a weekend forum on all aspects of the history of Beverley (Chapman's) Mill in the fall of 2001. Professional and amateur historians are asked to consider contributing to the interpretation of Beverley (Chapman's) Mill with their original research. As outlined in the article on page two, the mill's history dates from early colonial times to the present. In addition, this forum will offer a wonderful opportunity for fellowship. This announcement will be going to national historical organizations, Civil War Tables and colleges and universities. Call Ellen PercyMiller for more details at 703-753-3273.

FOR SALE

Original flour, cornmeal and chicken mash bags (paper) which were removed from Beverley Mill when it closed. Matted and framed these bags are stunning and make a great Christmas gift. Excellent condition, all sizes from $8-$14. Call us at 703-753-3273 regarding delivery.

National Mill Day - September 13

The date of this publication coincides with September 13, 2000 which has been chosen for National Mill Day. September 13 marks the birthday of Oliver Evans (American 1755-1819) who during his lifetime furthered the success of America as a manufacturing giant by resolving a number of industrial problems. One of his innovative manufacturing techniques affected the milling of grain. In 1784 he created a continuous production line utilizing conveyors, elevators, chutes and weighing scales that enabled grain to be moved automatically through a mill as it was processed from wheat into flour. Evans figured that costs were reduced by 50% since only one miller was needed to initiate the production of flour. In 1792 Evans described this technological advance in his book, Young Mill-Wright and Miller's Guide, which was widely read and followed in America including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and George Carter.

In 1787 Evans invented the high pressure steam engine, in 1805 the first road vehicle to operate in America, and during the War of 1812 he proposed building a steam warship.


Home Newsletters
First posted Apr 22, 2007
Last update Jan 25, 2020