Until hurricane Agnus wiped out the Biesecker Mill water works in 1972, the mill was powered by free water power.
Over 230 years of renewable, tax free, profit and pollution free energy captured and harnessed in York County by a machine made out of wood, stone and iron.
Mills often used a retention system that stored water at night that was then used to power the water wheel the following day. These ancient water batteries captured the stream’s continuous slow energy and conserved it for high demand.
I am always marveled by these early accomplishments of self-sufficiency that harnessed renewable energy. It reminds me that historically, “renewable energy” wasn’t a future, high-tech technology that seems untouchable by consumers today, but once was fueled by the freedom to harness creativity in an immature economic/political environment.
The almost intact mill’s machinery will disappear into history this Monday during a silent auction. The building’s shell will house condominiums.
Mill’s history grinds to an end (11/23/07) ydr.com
