Rewind Time: A Look at Jersey Mill History

Every morning people come to Alluem Yoga on Lincoln Avenue to get some exercise and stress relief.

What they may not know is that they're working out in the oldest existing mill on the Rahway River. The Williams-Droescher Mill was built in 1740 and was powered by the river current. People used to produce grain, lumber and even barber supplies out of it.

If you're intrigued by this, then you don't want to miss a free lecture being given at the Cranford Community Center on Wednesday.

Local historian Phil Jaeger will lead a discussion on the past and current state of many of New Jersey's water-powered mills. The program is called, "New Jersey's Mills: What Ever Happened to Them?" It's sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.

Jaeger, along with his wife Jean (both are retired school teachers), have traveled around the state studying the old mills. During the program, Jaeger will talk about mills that have been converted to other uses like Cranford's Williams-Droescher Mill and about mills that are in ruins or have disappeared all together. Jaeger will also discuss the Cooper Mill in Chester, which is the only functioning water-powered mill left in the entire state. His program will feature a slide presentation.

Jaeger, who lives in Cedar Grove, said he recently visited Cranford and the old Williams-Droescher Mill. He said he thinks people will enjoy his discussion because the history behind the state's mills exemplify how people have been interested in green technology for centuries.

"The past is never dead. It's not even past," Jaeger said quoting William Faulkner.

The program will be held at the Cranford Community Center on Walnut Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free.