Lunch Date with History Lecture Series: Simpsonville Grist Mill and Woolen Factory

The Lunch Date with History Lectures are on the first Friday of the month except for July when it will be the second Friday. The lectures are held at the Museum of Howard County History and are from 12 to 1pm. You may bring your lunch. The lectures are free, donations accepted. Please register with HCHS if you are coming. In the event of bad weather or if the speaker is unable to present, a notification will go out by email, and be posted on Facebook and you will be informed if the event is rescheduled.

Present day the remains of the Simpsonville Mill are hidden under the overpass where Cedar Lane crosses the Middle Patuxent River, near the Robinson Nature Center. In the 18th century Dr. Joshua Warfield built the first known mill there and in the late 18th century the area was known as Owingsviile, because the owner was Richard Owings. The growth and development of grist milling as well as an Owings woolen factory, make it clear that Simpsonville was a hub of industrial activity for over three centuries, including the Igelharts in the 20th century. Primary documents and family photos will highlight the importance of milling to the community as well as the international merchant flour market of the 18th and 19th century.