The Aqueduct Mill & Boone's Dam

Named for it's location near the Aqueduct that floated freight and passenger boats of the Pennsylvania Canal over Fishing Creek, a mill stood along the mouth of fishing creek from 1828-2010.  Boone's Dam was built the year prior, around 1827, and is now scheduled to be removed nearly 200 years later, in 2025.

Here's a look at some of the history of the Mill and Dam:

"Under a deed dated April 13, 1825 between Samuel Boone and Mary, his wife, Benjamin Boone was granted permission construct a dam across Fishing Creek, not exceeding four feet in height. and to dig a race through the lands of Samuel Boone to the land of Benjamin Boone. " 

A 1921 article in the Bloomsburg Morning Press gives this description of the mill and some of it's history:

"The Aqueduct mill is one of the oldest in point of years as well as one the most modern in point of efficiency in this section.  It was back In 1827 that the race and dam were built, the dam having a rock foundation.  A year later the mill was built."

The first school in Rupert was opened by Miss Harriet Rupert in 1831, daughter of Judge Rupert.  The school was located" in the shanty that had been used by contractors while building the aqueduct across Fishing Creek". - notes from John G. Quick, quoted in Freeze's history of Columbia County

A flood in 1846 damaged the canal aqueduct.   The Columbia Democrat reported that it was "half torn away.  The wooden portion of the structure had just been rebuilt at an expensive (including repairs to the piers) of about $3,000 and the canal agents were congratulating themselves upon the economy and durability of this work.  But the old piers were not all rebuilt, and two of them being crumbled and torn away by the tremendous rush of water, he works above necessarily have broke down.  This was before any considerations in the river... 

 Mr. David Ruhn of Catawissa had a very narrow escape, being on the aqueduct when it broke down.  He ran as the crash took place, the timbers literally cracking open between his feet - and the last leap caught the handrailing but an inch or two ahead of where it broke off and fell with other portions of the structure into the boiling stream." - March 1846  

 On February 16, 1849  from Samuel V. Boone released a right away to the Pennsylvania Canal Co.  The canal was built long before 1849, and we know the aqueduct was already there, from the mention of it being damaged in 1846, so I am currently uncertain why this agreement was made at this particular time.

In a report on the Lower North Branch Of the Canal, George W. Search reported that there were two dams & seven aqueducts on the 73 mile  section.  "No extraordinary repair will be required for 1856 except the re building of the aqueduct over Fishing creek which is estimated to cost 16,970.."

1857 Advertisement For "Unsettled Accounts"

"Customers to the Aqueduct Mill who have unsettled accounts...  have been .  I hope that they will now accommodate me and make immediate payment.  William Beers."

[the same ad ran in 1858]

Mill Rebuilt in '95. 

In 1895 the mill was entirely remodeled, and a complete roller system Installed. Of tour stories, 50x56 feet, it is built on a rock foundation and is, without question, one of the most substantial mills in this section.

The forebays are enclosed with heavy concrete walls, and the penstock or wheel pit, enclosing the wheel, is of reinforced concrete. The mill is operated by water power exclusively, furnished by two 54-inch turbine wheels, with a maximum head of 8 1-2 feet.

On October 19th 1881 a deed was given to the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Co. for a right-of-way. Another right-of-way was  given to  the Rupert and Bloomsburg Railroad Co. on October 8, 1891. 

A Morning Press article listed the brands of flour, and descriptions of those brands.

"It is in this mill that Mr. Shoemaker manufactures the following well, known brands of flour: 

• Rose," a patent blended Spring and Winter wheat flour;
• "Our Beauty," a fancy, pastry flour; 
• old time whole wheat Buhr ground Graham four:
• pure Euhr ground rye flour and all kinds of feed

From about 1900 to 1918, the local papers frequently mentioned the thickness of the ice, the number of ice skaters, the number of fishermen, and the types and numbers of fish caught, at Boone's Dam.

"The Aqueduct mill, at the mouth of Fishing creek, has a flume running under the old North Branch canal bed, and has the distinction of never being out of water. It is a finely fitted up mill, grinding a high grade of wheat flour." 

- ...Annals of Columbia and Montour Counties .... (1915). United States: J. H. Beers & Company.

The Aqueduct Bridge was later used by the trolley, to cross fishing creek

 In the 1920s, after the North Branch Trolley line closed, the bridge "over the road at Boone's dam and near the residence at Boone's Dam, was moved "closer to the dam and farther from the house, with the superstructure of the trolley bridge being used." [1961 article about the bridges being slated for demolition]

In 1934 papers reported that the "first major repairs in 35-40 years" were being made at Boone's Dam.  New top fills were being made.

In July of 1935, during a flood, the Morning Press reported that about 8 acres of farm between the house and Aqueduct Mill were under 3 feet or more of water.

In 1961, the "landmark bridges" near the mill were being removed.  The article in the Morning Press gave the following details:

"Passing Of Town Landmark:

 Town Is Eliminating 2 Small, Light Bridges Over Mill Race

 Progress, safety and economy are the factors which are removing two small bridges over the race which for well over a century supplied water power for the Aquaduct Mill, here.

 One of the bridges is over the road at Boone's dam and near the residence of Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Yurkovsky. The other is over the race closed to the mill and adjacent to what was once a beautiful picnic area known as Kleim's Grove. 

Both of the bridges have been expensive to maintain. Both have had small weight limits, with that near the mill being only two ton. 

Make Fill At Dam

 A fill is being made at the site where the bridge was at Boone's dam. To take care of drainage a twenty-inch pipe is being placed, James Ralston, chairman of the council highway committee, reported.

 Near the mill the town is using tank car which was purchased at Milton. The ends were cut out of the car which is six feet in diameter. This is being placed in the race adjacent to present bridge. The curve in the road at that point is being eased and the roadway will be widened. 

Still Has Turbines

Allen B. Harvey, of the highway committee of council, in speaking of the improvement, said the mill had used water, power through practically all of its period of operation. 

Russell H.Pursel, who operated the mill until 1949 when it was sold to Zerbin Kline, said had used water power for the operation and believed that Kline had also used this up until the time the mill close around 1957. The turbines are still in the mill. In order to make the fill of the race at Boone's dam it was necessary for the town to secure the release of water rights.."

In a 1974 interview, Mrs Shoemaker recalled that the upper side of the old millrace was Kleim's Grove - a popular picnic resort, and regular stop for the trolley that ran to Catawissa, in the summer months.  The Kleim's also operated a drug store in Bloomsburg.

The Mill was razed in 2010.

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A TIME LINE
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• 1825 - deed granted permission to Benjamin Boone to build a dam on his land.
• 1827- Race and Dam constructed [1921 newspaper article] by Samuel Boone
• 1828- Mill built
• 1835 - truck of aqueduct "is decayed and must be renewed" Journal. (1835). United States: (n.p.).
• 1855 the Aqueduct was rebuilt at a cost of $22,000. [Canal Report]
• 1857 - Miller at the Aqueduct mill was William Beers.  Beers moved to Montour Mills in 1860, placing an ad asking those who owned him for work at the Aqueduct to please settle up so he could close those books.
• 1858 - The property was listed under Sheriff's Sales
• 1861 - Purchased by Charles R Harman & Lloyd Paxton  [The Mill was either Rebuilt at some point by Lloyd Paxton, or there's an error in the Historical and Biographical Annals by Beers.  ]
• 1889- Paxton & Drinker sold the mill to George W. Keiter
• 1895 - Mill was completely remodeled, complete roller system installed
• 1898 - Mill Sold to George W. Keiter
• 1914 - Grover C. Shoemaker 1888-1952  took over after Keiters Death
• 1930  - Shoemaker retired and sold the mill to Russell Pursel
• 1947 - Pursel sold his interest to Zerbin Kline and Bruce Berger
• 1950s - Milling Operations ceased
• 1961 - Bridges removed
• 1972 - Aqueduct pier removed after Hurricane Agnes
• 1974 - "Old Mill To Become Tourist Attraction"   Became Restaurant and later Antique Shop
• 2010 - Town of Bloomsburg purchased it for $18,000 and tore it down
• 2023 - DEP announced that Boone's Dam must be removed

A 1952 article in the Morning Press recounts the history of the tract of land all the way back to the Penns.  The article then goes on to further describe the ownership in regards to the mill:

First mention of a dwelling upon the land is made in the will of Samuel Boone, late of Bloom township, Northumberland county, dated March 1, 1811. 

The first item of the will gave to his son, James Boone, "all that plantation and tract of land whereon he now resides. containing 115 acres and 98 perches." 

The second bequest gave to "my o son, Samuel Boone, all that plantation and tract of land now in occupancy of Alexander Creveling ...containing 107 1-4 acres."

 Another son, Benjamin Boone, was willed "the southern portion bounded on the east by the tract devised to James; on the north by the tract devised to Samuel; on the west by Fishingcreek and on south by the Susquehanna, containing about seventy -two acres." The will also, provided that a ten acre plot be disposed of as soon "as a fair price can be obtained." 

Under a deed dated April 13, 1825 between Samuel Boone and Mary, his wife, Benjamin Boone was granted permission construct a dam across Fishing Creek, not exceeding four feet in height. and to dig a race through the lands of Samuel Boone to the land of Benjamin Boone. 

Benjamin Boone died intestate but had previously bound himself to sell his real estate to Alexander McPherson who in sold the property to William Colt and John Hopper.

The land involved were two tracts, one of ten acres and eighty-six perches and the second about an acre.

 On February 16, 1849 William Colt and his wife, Maria, deeded this land to Samuel Boone, the consideration being $339.78. 

The abstract then continued with a release from Samuel V. Boone to the Pennsylvania Canal Co. and a deed to the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Co. for   a right-of-way, the latter being dated October 19, 1881. Another right-of-way was given the Rupert and Bloomsburg Railroad Co. under date of October 8, 1891. 

Samuel V. Boone died April 29, 1891 and in his will provided that his farm should remain unsold until his youngest son attained the age of twenty-one.

At that time the farm was to be divided among the sons. They were Samuel D., Josiah B., John S. and Frank W. 

Then followed a period of executions and judgments and at public sale Josiah B. Boone, Frank W. Boone and John S. Boone purchased the farm for $13,000, being the highest bid received.

 On December 1909 the third interest of John' S. Boone was purchased by John C. Creveling for $2,200 and in turn this interest was purchased by Josiah B. Boone

 Under a deed dated March 30, arid house from the Boone family for $11,375. Mr. Kleim died May 21, 1920, and under the law the property went to two children, Helen Kleim Jones and Harry C. Kleim.  

It was by a deed dated July 31,- 1939 that Mr.and Mrs. Yurkovsky took title to the farm

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READ MORE

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Drowning & Deaths at Boone's Dam

1921 - Earl Broscious, age 17
1939 - Anthony & Tressa Bressi - ages 12 & 9

 Alfred Low fell into Fishing Creek near Irondale Co. dam on June 3rd 1901.  His body was found 10 days later, a short distance below the Aqueduct Mill.

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RESEARCH NOTES

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Harry Magee Monument made from the Aqueduct Stones?  Research later.

Stone for Native American Monument made from stone from the Aqueduct pier

A car "shot from the road and over the bank into the race at Kleim's Grove" on June 6th 1919.  An axel in the car had broken, causing the wreck.  Three people were in the car - Miss Helen Johnson of Rupert, Miss Ruth Freas of Berwick, and the driver Robert Ikeler of Bloomsburg.  None were injured.  The morning press provided an additional description, proving insight on the mill race at the time.

In July of 1939, Creekside Day Campers took a tour of the mill and R.H. Pursel explained how wheat is transformed into flour.

In 1974 the Morning Press referred to the mill, which a 9th grade class had visited, as the "old yurkovsky" mill.  They issued a correction, clarifying that it was the Aqueduct Mill.

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One of the busiest millers in this section of the state is Grover C. Shoemaker, owner of the Aqueduct mill at Rupert, to which he gives his personal supervision as well as caring for the selling end of the mill's large product. 

The mill is among the most modern in this section of the state and has been brought by Mr. Shoemaker up to an exceptionally high point of efficiency. 

The Aqueduct mill is one of the oldest in point of years as well as one the most modern in point of efficiency in this section.  It was back In 1827 that the race and dam were built, the dam having a rock foundation. A year later the mill was built. The mill was bought in 1889 by George W. Kelter from Paxton & Drinker, and it was from his estate that it was purchased by the present owner, Mr. Shoemaker.

Mill Rebuilt in '95. 

"In 1895 the mill was entirely remodeled, and a complete roller system Installed. Of tour stories, 50x56 feet, it is built on a rock foundation and is, without question, one of the most substantial mills in this section.

The forebays are enclosed with heavy concrete walls, and the penstock or wheel pit, enclosing the wheel, is of reinforced concrete. The mill is operated by water power exclusively, furnished by two 54-inch turbine wheels, with a maximum head of 8 1-2 feet.

 Improvement after Improvement upon the part of Mr. Shoemaker has today is pointed to 8.8 unquestionably followed his ownership, and a the mill one of the finest in Central Pennsylvania.  It is in this mill that Mr. Shoemaker manufactures the following well, known brands of flour: Rose," a patent blended Spring and Winter wheat flour;

"Our Beauty," a fancy, pastry flour; 

old time whole wheat Buhr ground Graham four:

pure Euhr ground rye flour and all kinds of feed.

 The capacity is 75 Barrels of wheat flour daily. Not only is Mr. Shoemaker one of the representative millers of this section but he is likewise one of Bloomsburg's progressive young business men, and active in the community life."

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In 1961, the "landmark bridges" near the mill were being removed.  The article in the Morning Press gave the following details:

Passing Of Town Landmark

 Town Is Eliminating 2 Small, Light Bridges Over Mill Race

 Progress, safety and economy are the factors which are removing two small bridges over the race which for well over a century supplied water power for the Aquaduct Mill, here.

 One of the bridges is over the road at Boone's dam and near the residence of Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Yurkovsky. The other is over the race closed to the mill and adjacent to what was once a beautiful picnic area known as Kleim's Grove. 

Both of the bridges have been expensive to maintain. Both have had small weight limits, with that near the mill being only two ton. 

Make Fill At Dam

 A fill is being made at the site where the bridge was at Boone's dam. To take care of drainage a twenty-inch pipe is being placed, James Ralston, chairman of the council highway committee, reported.

 Near the mill the town is using tank car which was purchased at Milton. The ends were cut out of the car which is six feet in diameter. This is being placed in the race adjacent to present bridge. The curve in the road at that point is being eased and the roadway will be widened. 

At Boone's dam the bridge during much of its existence was close to the old Boone residen[ce] now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Yurkovsky. After the North Branch trolley line closed in the twenties the bridge was moved closer to the dam and farther from the house. with the superstructure of the trolley bridge being used.

Built Around 1835 to 1840 

Robert Pursel, son of a former owner of the mill, said the dam was built and the race constructed about two years before the Pennsylvania Canal went through here in 1840. Edwin M.. Barton, executive secretary of the County Historical Society, explained that the dam or the providing of mill power was not one of the first in the region, He pointed out that Fishing Creek is large and carries more water than many streams designated as rivers. Those who power usually got it smaller operated mills and wanted, water streams where the construction of a dam was less costly. 

Still Has Turbines

Allen B. Harvey, of the highway committee of council, in speaking of the improvement, said the mill had used water, power through practically all of its period of operation. 

Russell H.Pursel, who operated the mill until 1949 when it was sold to Zerbin Kline, said had used water power for the operation and believed that Kline had also used this up until the time the mill close around 1957. The turbines are still in the mill. In order to make the fill of the race at Boone's dam it was necessary for the town to secure the release of water rights and this was done through negotiations conducted by Donald A. Lewis, town solicitor....

1974

1990

1844

1846 Flood

April 1860

Journal. (1831). United States: (n.p.).

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Historical and biographical annals of Columbia and Montour counties, Pennsylvania. (n.d.). (n.p.): 

From the Susquehanna Greenway Kayaking guide:

Another quarter mile down river brings you to the mouth of Fishing Creek on river right. Just upstream is Indian Head Campground, then Rupert Covered Bridge, and another half mile is Boone’s Dam (dangerous low head damon this section of Fishing Creek) and remnants of an aqueduct for the North Branch Canal.

Around mile 146 is the abandoned Reading Railroad Bridge. Hopes are to use this as part of a future rail trail. Navigate river right of upcoming islands (please note that all islands on this route are privately-owned- do not stop on the islands) to see remnants of the North Branch Canal wall and possible wildlife. Evidence of canal structures such as locks, stone retaining walls, towpath, and aqueducts may be seen through River Mile: 139; consult Section 13 of the North Branch Susquehanna River Trail map for most prominent locations. Operated from 1831 to 1901, the North Branch Canal provided transportation for people and materials up and down the Susquehanna. The Montour Area Recreation Commission has constructed a walking and bike path along the old towpath, hoping to eventually connect to Catawissa and Danville. Once fully open (currently, only 3.5 miles are available for use), this trail will contribute to a possible overland return to the launch location via Catawissa, offering a wonderful round-trip loop in the Greenway. Also on this side of the islands are some prominent cliffs carved by glacial meltwaters, one of which offers a likeness to a human head and is thus dubbed “Indian Head Rock.”

Trolley Lines - 

..two companies decided to merge and collectively form the Columbia and Montour Electric Railway Company on October 31, 1899, with headquarters in Bloomsburg, that Columbia County had its first the trolley line. Investors from Harrisburg were crucial in providing the capital for this company. 

Construction began on March 8, 1901, that included the powerhouse and car barn at the site of the former Bloom Iron Furnace, William Neal & Sons, located south of Old Berwick Road, east of Cherry Street, near the North Branch Canal. From this location the trolley lines would go to Berwick, Bloomsburg proper, and Catawissa. 

The Berwick line went east on Old Berwick Road passing through Espy, Almedia, Willow Grove, and Briar Creek The line from the car barn entered Bloomsburg went west on Seventh Street, then north on East Street to Main Street, west on Main Street to Fishing Creek, and then south to the Aqueduct Bridge and from there to Catawissa Bridge at the Susquehanna River. 

At Market Square the line also went south to Fifth Street, and the east to connect to the line at East Street.

 The company by 1902 had built sixteen miles of track Two years later the Danville and Bloomsburg Street Railway Company completed a line to Bloomsburg by connecting to the Columbia and Montour line near Fishing Creek. 

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2013