The picturesque town of Harpswell on Maine’s jagged coast was once home to up to 15 tide mills. Tide Mill Institute co-founder, architectural historian, and historic preservation expert John Goff recently gave a highly entertaining and educational presentation about these mills at the Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center. Thanks to Harpswell Heritage Land Trust and Harpswell Community TV, a recording of his talk is now available on line. (To view, click the frame.)
John’s meticulous research covered many topics related to the Harpswell mills and tide mills in general. For viewers new to tide-powered mills, he explains tide mill operating principles and technology transferred from England to America, including mill stone designs, mill building features, and the grain milling process. He also provides economic, historical, and geographic context for these long-gone and almost forgotten structures. Never one to ignore the social side of the local milling industry, John also presents his recent findings about mill owner and operator genealogy.