Hinkle Mill

History of Hinkle Mill by Brenda Krekeler

This mill site was established in 1804 by Captain Nathan Carpenter, who constructed a frame sawmill and gristmill. In 1816 the Carpenter Mills were replaced by John Case, who built a sawmill. It was in the middle 1800's when Mr. Jas. Hinkle constructed the 3 1/2 story stone woolen mill. He also built the home adjacent to the mill for his residence. The Hinkle Woolen Mill has an exciting history. Wool blankets and army coats were manufactured for the soldiers in the Civil War. The 1880's found the mill converting to steam-power. Hinkle moved all of the wool production machinery out and modified the building into a gristmill. In a milling accident Hinkle lost one of his legs. It is not known if the mill was productive after Hinkle's accident.

The Hinkle Mill sits adjacent to Chapman Road and appears to be a large stone garage until further inspection. At one time, the stone mill stood 3 1/2 stories tall. Now only the lower two levels exist. The north side of the building exhibits a large arched entrance that allowed the water to enter the mill, flow through the waterwheels and exit through the arch on the riverside. The building is about 30' X 30' and has many windows. The windows are framed in wood. There is no evidence of the glass or sash. The stone was obviously quarried from the river and, like the Beiber Mill, which is 1/2 mile north of the Hinkle Mill, evidences the skill of the local craftsman.

The Hinkle Woolen Mill is privately owned and visitors are not welcomed on the property. You can, however, see the remaining top level of the mill from Chapman Road. If you travel south on S.R. 315 from Delaware, you can view the mill from across the Olentangy River.

DIRECTIONS: Delaware County. Liberty Township. From Delaware, south on U.S. 23, 2 miles, right on Chapman Road, 2 miles, on right on the Olentangy River.