The land of this area was rented to farmers and owned by James Hamilton. In 1804, a large area was sold to Jeremiah Hoff, who is said to be the first to harness the power of the Hakihokake Creek. Hoff built a saw mill and a grist mill and an extensive interconnected hydrosystem and the area, known as Hoffs Mills, became the focal point around which a village subsequently developed. Hoff began to subdivide his property but he made sure that all of the properties maintained water rights. In 1815, a father, Peter, and a son, John VanSyckel, purchased 106 acre tract with the saw mill. As Peter ran the Hickory Tavern, John settled his family there and became responsible for developing the area and the Upper Mill Complex, he referred to as Valley Mills but became known to the locals as VanSyckel's Mills.
The first mill was built by John VanSyckel and produced linseed oil by pressing the seeds of flax. In those days, flax mills were abundant in Hunterdon County. For a time this mill was also used as an apple brandy distillery, having plenty of apples to blend with a special touch, Hunterdon mills were known to have supplied the Colonies with applejack whiskey, during Revolutionary War days. According to family records, John VanSyckel and his family named the town "Little York" in 1828. Approximately 1835, VanSyckel built a grist mill alongside the oil mill, and but passed away in 1839 without a will. An advertisement in the 1841 newspaper lists all of the property, now divided into 7 lots to be sold at public auction. Records show that Samuel VanSyckel, son of John, ran the Oil Mill until 1850. When flax became unprofitable, the oil mill was converted into an apple cider press and the waterwheel was replaced by more efficient turbines. Historical documents reference a new flouring mill in 1855, which may or may not be a result of the updating of oil mill. During this time the mills became known as the Eckel's Mills. The Eckel's were related to the VanSyckel family and in 1926 the property was sold by the last Eckel family member to the Zick and Croot families. The mills became known as Zick and Croot Little York Mill and eventually just Croot Mill at Little York. Maurice Croot operated both the grist and cider mills until about 1950, when he then only operated the gristmill for personal use. During the 70's the mills were owned by local artist and used for galleries and a studio, at which time, the cider mill was converted into living space. The Little York Mills passed on to the current owners in 1985, who used the space for an antique store and weekend retreat. |
Little York Mills
Little York,
Hunterdon County,
N. J.
History
Little York Historic District is on
the National Register of Historic Places