About this collection

The Mill at Anselma oral history interviews (Accession 2019.226) collection contains eight interviews conducted in 1982, 1986, and 2001 with individuals familiar with the Mill at Anselma, a custom grain mill in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Most interviewees are part of the Collins family (the last residents of the mill), as well as other Chester County locals. Members of the Collins family interviewed include: Horace Collins, Mary Collins Griffith, and John Collins. Ada Gordon and Elmer Matthews are also interviewed. The discussions mainly focus on the mill, how it operated, and its service to the county, but also include numerous personal stories recounting life in early twentieth century rural Pennsylvania. The Pickering Valley Railroad and its station at Anselma are also discussed.

This project was spearheaded by Dr. John James Turner, Jr. and the French and Pickering Creek Conservation Trust.

For more information about the Mill at Anselma, including how to visit, become a member, view a milling demonstration, and schedule events, please visit their website.