Branchville's Mills

The milling of grains from the surrounding farmlands found a natural center in Branchville where abundant water power was available for turning the grind stones. It is believed that the first grist mill was built in the early 1700's by William Beemer; but the first actual industry started after 1793 when James Haggerty built a mill. From that time on, many other mills were established. It was Virgil Crisman and his family who were to exert the most important influence on the industrial growth of Branchville, before it became an independent borough.

In 1855, Crisman purchased the McDanolds' flour mill which was described as having "three run of stone." In 1868 Crisman built a larger mill opposite the present McNeilie residence. It was situated in what is now Mill Street. The building survived until 1961, having been used as a Borough store house after milling was discontinued.

Mr. Crisman is said to have established "an enviable reputation" for his flour accomplished through his "thorough knowledge of milling." To protect the water power vital for his mills, he purchased an interest in Culver Lake from whence flowed the mill streams. He built the first dam in Branchville which formed a sizable pond on the south side of the village. Eventually, he took his sons, George and Charles, into the business.

Charles was to further distinguish the

Crisman name by venturing into many fields, the most effective being the introduction of electric power in Branchville. In 1892, he installed a generator in one of his mill buildings and was soon receiving heavy demands for power. By 1907, with enlarged facilities, he was able to supply power to a radius of three miles from his generators. He formed the Branchville Electric Power and Light and Water Company and installed a new 160 horse power turbine wheel and had to build a new dam to meet the requirements of his new plant. It was this second dam, built above the older dam, that was to cause a disastrous flood in 1955.

Crisman established generating plants in other Sussex County towns, then in 1923, he sold out to the New Jersey Power and Light Company who moved all generating to Newton.

Crisman's generators were not able to supply twenty-four hour electric service, because he had to conserve water power when lights were least needed. At first, he charged only $1.00 per month as a flat rate for domestic use!

The significant part of abandoning the Branchville Power House in 1923, was that it ended the use of water as a power source. Thus, the element that had actually been the town's most important asset and had given it its economic backing, became obsolete.