Trenton Emporium
(Newspaper Advertisement, December 27, 1828 - MTH)
Discussion:
The 40 x 25 foot dimensions provided by property owner Mahlon Dungan in 1828 perhaps refers to the structure on the left as shown 1807
Map, with the structure on the right being the Merchant Mill, and with the recently completed Saw Mill not shown. In any event, it is likely that the original mill as seen from Main Street was on the left side of the present structure, and served by the 20 foot water-wheel was mounted on the left end. At a recent lecture presented by the Plainsboro Historical Society (Robert Yuell, Exec. Dir.), Archaeologist Richard W. Hunter, Ph.D, described various water-wheel designs, including the "under-shot" and "over-shot" methods, but indicated the most efficient set-up was for the water to enter the wheel at about midd-level.
Scenario:
My guess is that the owner of the Grist Mill in 1828 is describing an "under-shot" wheel, but which has the potential of being converted to the more efficient type. If this conversion was made, it would leave the wheel in-line with the original race but put the axle at about the same elevation as the water surface in the flume, thereby taking advantage of some part of the 9-10 foot drop to the creek. Eventually, the flume was diverted into the building, the water-wheel was abandoned, turbines are known to have been installed, and the Grist Mill was expanded into the Merchant Mill.
Craven's Yardley Site (Photographs, Maps, History/Geography, Craven Biography)