Long Valley's Historic Mill In Line To Receive Part Of $3.6M Grant

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Twenty-three Morris County projects, including one in Long Valley, will receive $3.6 million in grants as part of a yearly initiative to revitalize and protect historic sites in the area.

Last month, it was announced that the Washington Township Land Trust of Morris County had applied for $470,500 in funding for the historic Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill. The county Board of Commissioners approved the funding request on Tuesday, July 18.

The funds were approved by the county Board of Commissioners based on recommendations from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.

The majority of the funds will be used to build and renovate 17 projects, with the remainder funding activities such as design work for future construction and preservation planning.

According to county officials, Long Valley will receive the largest grant, $470,500, to help stabilize the stone foundation of the Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill. Additionally, it involves the removal and storage of the machinery, a crucial first step in the repair and rebuild of the structural frame.

The mill was built around 1750 and is listed on both the New Jersey and National Historic registers.

"The Obadiah LaTourette Grist & Saw Mill is an essential part of our local history, having played a vital role in the economy and as a meeting place for the community throughout its existence. With this funding, we are one step closer to ensuring the continued preservation of this cherished historical landmark for generations to come," the Washington Township Land Trust said.

For much of its history, the mill, which was originally owned by Philip Weise, was vital to the economy and development of the German Valley, serving as a market for farm products as well as a business and meeting location.

The mill was originally powered by two water wheels, but in the 1870s, owner Obadiah LaTourette converted it to turbine power. The mill operated until the 1940s, when it was purchased by the Land Trust, along with 10 acres, in 1991, according to the Historical Society.

The planned preservation strategy calls for the installation of a cofferdam and micropiles beneath the foundation, as well as a new concrete cap, to help control the effects of the South Branch of the Raritan River flowing against the anterior foundation walls for nearly three centuries.

For the 23 projects, the review board received nearly $5.9 million in grant requests. Following site visits and final presentations from applicants last month, the board approved full funding for 12 of the proposals and partial funding for the others.

“The staff and volunteers do a phenomenal job evaluating these applications and making recommendations on how to invest our dollars. People often thank the Commissioners for the money, but it ultimately comes from the taxpayers, who always overwhelmingly support these programs and it’s fortunate that they do," Commissioner Stephen Shaw said.

The trust fund was established 20 years ago when Morris County voters approved a referendum authorizing what was then the county freeholder board to allow funding for historic preservation as permitted by state law.

The fund considers grant proposals from county officials, municipal officials, and qualified nonprofits for the acquisition, restoration or preservation of historic resources. Since 2003, when grants were first issued, Morris County has awarded 535 grants totaling nearly $50 million.