Evans-Mumbower Mill
Once scores of mills lined the banks of the Wissahickon Creek using and
reusing the creek's water to power industries which sawed wood, made paper, ground grain,
and manufactured felt. Today nearly all of these buildings are gone, having been destroyed
or converted to other uses. One, however, still stands, preserved so the public can
understand what an old Wissahickon mill was like and how important such buildings were to
the economy of the area. It is Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association's Evans-Mumbower
Mill.
 While the present Evans-Mumbower Mill appears to date to the early 1800's,
records indicate the construction of a saw mill and fulling mill by Abraham Evans in
1745-1746. The mill changed hands several times in the late 1700's. It was reported to
have been demolished and then a new mill built sometime in the late 18th century. The
present building has a date stone of 1835, however, this may indicate a time of renovation
or new ownership. The mill was acquired by Henry Mumbower in 1858 and a member of that
family operated the grist mill until around 1930.
 Evans-Mumbower Mill reflects its times and the people who used it. The
present structure operated as a mill for nearly 100 years. It was an industrial building
and as such shows signs of the technological changes which took place during its lifetime.
Originally powered by a water wheel, in later year it was run by a steam or gasoline
engine. Other changes in machinery and layout are evident as well.
For year Evans-Mumbower Mill sat abandoned and deteriorating, rain pouring
in through its rotted roof. In 1984 the Towmencin Historical Society acquired the mill and
initiated repairs. In 1987 ownership passed to the Wissahickon Valley Watershed
Association which made many repairs as well. Today WVWA continues the ongoing process of
preserving this piece of local history.
Evans-Mumbower Mill Open House Tours
Free tours of the Mill are given on the third Sunday of the
month in the spring, summer and fall. After a brief slide show about the Mill’s history, you
will take a guided tour to learn more about how the mill worked and what
life was like in this area in previous centuries. After the tour you can
browse in the museum and see artifacts from the Mill’s archaeological dig.
If you would like to train to be a tour guide, contact us.
To arrange for group tours of Evans-Mumbower Mill contact the Wissahickon
Valley Watershed Association at 215-646-8866.
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