Kirby's Mill
photo by Greg Terepka, 2013
For Kirby, the mill was ' the powerhouse", his workshop, and a fishing platform
For Girl Scouts, it was a craft studio, history museum, and hiking destination. For Richfield Heritage Preserve, it will be a place for reflection and discovery. For information on the current restoration, click here |
Jim Kirby constructed his mill in 1922 to produce hydroelectric power for his home and workshop. He constructed a working model of a grist mill when he was still in school, indicating an early interest in water powered machinery. His millwheel was the first of its kind, designed so that its weight rested on ball bearings. It could turn with just a trickle of water. Construction cost was $2,300.
Photo: Beth Sanderson
Photo: Sarah Spiegler
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Early closeup of the wheel in motion . Note the 19th-century split rail fence in background and the absence of trees on the hillside.
(Photo courtesy of the Peninsula Historical Society) |
According to a letter Kirby wrote in 1940 to the Cleveland Girl Scout Council, “ the water wheel was built by Mr. Pardee, a millwright, who had built many wheels during his life. It is made of Cypress spokes and rims, and the buckets [ aka blades ] are made of Oak. The lumber and millwork in this wheel cost $442.00.“
The wheel ran only during warm weather. Every fall the ball bearings were lubricated and packed to prevent moisture from entering the ball races.
The power generation equipment was on the first floor . An interior set of simple wooden steps led through a trap door to the second floor- Kirby’s workshop. The “third floor” was a loft with French doors that lead out to the balcony.
This image of Kirby's Mill was featured in Lowell Thomas' booklet about Jim Kirby, circa 1935
Click HERE for Kirby's Mill video by Ethan Horacek
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A 1923 souvenir booklet from the Scott Fetzer company picnic on the Kirby grounds. The photo on the upper right shows a diver poised by the Millhouse, about to take a plunge into the lake as spectators line the wall of the dam. Source: Richfield Historical Society
clipping from The Millwheel, 1964
After the Girl Scouts bought the Kirby estate, they used the mill house as an area for teaching crafts to campers. Not only did it serve as a studio, the mill and its surroundings were a source of inspiration.
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above: mill images drawn by girls for the summer camp newspapers
In 1976, for the national Bicentennial, the mill house was made into a museum of the history of Girl Scouting in Cleveland. Former Girl Scouts and leaders from throughout the area donated or lent uniforms, books, posters, craft items, and much memorabilia for display in the museum. When the Museum was dedicated, the generator at the mill was reconditioned and lit the Museum.
1979 Kirby' Mill was added to the National Registry of Historic Places
- ID number 78002197 “James Kirby Mill”
- Areas of significance: engineering, invention
- Level of significance: national
The following is from "Lake Erie Girl Scout Council.......the First 75 Years A Council History 1912 -1987", compiled by the History Committee. Narrative by Geogianna Bonds
"The Mill has stood in the council as a symbol of Girl Scouting. The energy created by its movement has given light to the buildings around it. Its rustic beauty has made a landscape come alive with new interest. And its endurance has proved the value of sound foundations and constant purpose. Girl Scouting shares its honor as a landmark of positive influence in the lives of girls."
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In 1993, the mill wheel was again rebuilt using the original materials. Stan Polo, caretaker of Crowell Hilaka, recalls seeing the wheel when he first started to work for Girl Scouts. "They brought in Amish craftsmen. They took the wheel completely apart and spread the pieces out on the hill."
The Millwheel Newsletter
The millwheel was so distinctive that it was used as the name of the Cleveland Council and the Lake Erie Council newsletter for generations. "The Millwheel" masthead was often re-configured, re-invigorated, re-designed, and updated, but in whatever incarnation, Kirby’s Mill remained as an enduring symbol.
The millwheel was so distinctive that it was used as the name of the Cleveland Council and the Lake Erie Council newsletter for generations. "The Millwheel" masthead was often re-configured, re-invigorated, re-designed, and updated, but in whatever incarnation, Kirby’s Mill remained as an enduring symbol.
From The MIllwheel 1975
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The mill as an art studio
Interior of the Mill Museum. Photo by Jackie Walsh Yue
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millwheel maintenence
Millwheels have to be replaced periodically due to their constant exposure to water and weather. The average "life span" of a wheel is 10-20 years. We know the wheel was replaced in 1968 and 1993. It must have been replaced at least once before that, but records have been lost.
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In 1993, the mill wheel was again rebuilt using Kirby's original hardware compoentents the original harware materials.The builders were K& M Construction from Kidron. Team Leader was Mel Troyer. Stan Polo, caretaker of Crowell Hilaka, recalls seeing the wheel when he first started to work for Girl Scouts. "They brought in Amish craftsmen. They took the wheel completely apart and spread the pieces out on the hill." . |
The LLBean boot visits Kirby's Mill! In 2015 when LLBean's first OHio retail store opened in Lyndhurst, Bean staff got into a conversation with members of Friends, resulting in Bean partnering with RJRD to offer classes in outdoor activities, including kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding. When Lake Linnea had to be drained, Bean moved their equipment from the boat house down to the mill. In recognition of this shared history, the boot came to visit in 2018. We miss you, LLBean!
Millwright Ben Hassett points out features of the old wheel to FoCH secretary Lynn Richardson and RHP Park Director David Green. July 7, 2021. Photo by Chris Naizer
View of the water box and the 1993 wheel from above. Photo by Clive Fetzer