Work has begun on the Abbott's Mill repairs!

Several years ago, it was noticed that there was a lot of structural water and insect damage in the basement of Abbotts Mill, mostly in the first level floor joists and the sills at the top of the stone basement walls.

The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) has hired Bathon Builders, out of Elkton, MD, to do the repairs. Bathon Builders has recently completed an excellent restoration of the Aberdeen B&O Train Station, the only surviving station of the former B&O Railroad. Nearby work by Bathon Builders includes the restoration of the Sussex County Courthouse Cupola and window replacement in the Georgetown Armory Readiness Center.

Repair material was delivered to Abbotts Mill this week,

At Abbotts Mill, work has just started this week with the digging of the footers for the new 6x6 treated columns that will support the first level floor.

Digging the footers for the first floor support columns.

Repair work is expected to be finished by this Thanksgiving!

Abbott's Mill Nature Center then plans to have a public open house, with tours of the mill.

Abbott's Mill is located at 15411 Abbotts Pond Road, Milford, DE 19963. It is the only old mill in Delaware that can still be operated by water power.

Abbott's Mill Nature Center is a 377 acre nature preserve only about two miles down Rt. 36 from downtown Milford. There are over 5 miles of pet friendly (on leash) trails winding through forests, wetlands and meadows, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop right next to the mill and the nature center. The nature preserve includes the 20 acre millpond that is used for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

More updates here next week.