You may have seen the article I wrote on Bucks County Taste last year about Castle Valley Mill, a refurbished working grain mill right here in Bucks County. Now you can see the mill on Wednesday, October 3 at a potluck and tour hosted by the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance.
Located on the banks of the Neshaminy Creek along Lower State Road, Castle Valley Mill began grinding Bucks County grains in 1730 using water power. Purchased in 1947 by current owner Mark Fischer’s grandfather Henry Fischer, a miller from Germany who loved the ongoing repair and restoration of the mill and milling machinery, Henry also collected many machines and parts as other old mills fell out of use. Those antiques now are back in operation, producing fine stone-ground flours, meals and grain mixes from the common grains, like wheat, corn and rye, to the unusual – emmer and millet.
Processing slowly and at cool temperatures on antique buhr stone mills preserves the grain’s flavor, nutrients and texture and produces exceptional quality dishes and baked goods. Castle Valley Mill always grinds the grains fresh and, when able, uses local Bucks County grains. The only “preservative” used is refrigeration.
No RSVP is necessary but visitors are asked to bring a dish to share at the potluck which begins at 5:00 pm. The tour will begin at 6 pm. (You’ll also need to bring your own utensils, beverages and seating.) Bring marshmallows too if you like because there will be an opportunity to roast them by the Mill’s fire pit after the tour. You are invited to stay and enjoy the charm of the property until 8:00pm. Besides adults, this educational tour is appropriate for high-school-aged and adult-accompanied 9-15-year-olds. Although these events are free, donations to BCFA’s programs are encouraged.
Since the mill has space for only 20 or so cars, there will be a Bucks County Transport shuttle running from the parking lot at Turk Park parking lot #2 from 4:45 pm to 8 pm. Click here for a map of Turk parking lot 2. The mill itself is located at 1730 Lower State Road in Doylestown. For questions, please call 215.598.3979. See you there!
