The first mill was built about 1804 by John Van Syckel to produce linseed oil by pressing the seeds of flax. At the time, flax was an important crop whose fibers were spun into linen. As you look at a picture, the oil mill occupied the three story structure to the left. Behind the mill rises the dam that holds back one of three mill ponds fed by a half-mile long mill race branching off from Hakihokake Creek.
In 1835, Van Syckel added the taller grist mill to the right. The roof line of the grist mill was placed perpendicular to the roof line of the oil mill, and in the process the waterwheel and the wheel pit were enclosed by a shed roof and walls, creating the distinctive and unique appearance that makes it so recognizable today.
Sometime before the 1860's, as the abundant supply of cotton from the south rendered the local flax crops unprofitable, the oil mill was converted to an apple cider press. About the same time, the waterwheel was replaced by more efficient turbines.
Although the mills changed hands several times and were known as: Van Syckel's mills, The Valley Mills, S.V. Eckel's Mill, and the Zick and Croot mills, they remained in full production until 1955.
In the early 1960's, they were converted to an art studio and gallery, and over the next twenty years, the oil mill (cider mill) portion was converted to a residence.
In the mid 1980's the grist mill / art gallery became a part-time antique shop.
In 1988, the mills, as part of the "Little York Historic District" were listed in the State and Federal Registers of Historic Places.
The Mill Is Currently For Sale
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From I 78 Eastbound: Take exit 11. Turn right at the traffic light onto county Rt. 614. Follow Rt. 614 approximately 4 miles through Pattenburg to the center of Little York where Rt. 614 turns left. Do not turn, but continue straight onto Ellis Road between the tavern on your left and the general store on your right. 100 yards from the intersection the road begins to climb and turn left. You will see Little Yoork Mills to your right.
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From I 78 Westbound: Take exit 11. Go through two yield signs and 3/4 of the way around the circle. Cross over I 78 to the traffic light and proceed straight onto county Rt. 614. Follow Rt. 614 as indicated above.
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From Pittstown, NJ and points south on county Rt. 579: Follow Rt. 579 north to its intersection with Rt. 614. Turn left at the stop sign, and proceed down into Little York and through the center of the village as indicated above.
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From Alpha, NJ: Take county Rt. 519 south through Holland Township to the intersection with county Rt. 614 (Spring Mills Rd.) Follow Rt. 614 to the stop sign in the center of Little York. Turn left onto Ellis Rd. Little York Mills will be on your right.
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From Milford, NJ: Take county Rt. 519 north to the intersection with county Rt. 614. Turn right onto Spring Mills Rd. and follow the directions immediately above.
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From Frenchtown, NJ: Take county Rt. 619 north to Milford, and follow the directions from Milford.
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From Flemington, NJ: Take Rt. 12 to Frenchtown - then follow the directions from Frenchtown.
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From New Hope, PA / Lambertville, NJ: Take NJ Rt. 29 north along the river to Frenchtown - then follow the directions from Frenchtown.
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From New York: Use the directions from I 78 westbound.
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