The History of Peirce Mill

Our newest board member, Quentin Looney, organized a visit by Alice Waters to Peirce Mill on January 19, 2012. Ms. Waters, a renowned chef famous for her Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, also advocates nationally for more nutritious school lunches and universal access to healthy, organic foods. Assisted by our program director, Steve Dryden, Quentin helped generate a lively discussion at the mill about wholesome foods, water-powered gristmills and orchards.

Alice Waters at Peirce Mill (Photo: Deborah Dougherty)

The Friends of Peirce Mill is now moving from the “construction phase” of our mission to an emphasis on education and interpretation. Joshua Peirce, the son of Isaac Peirce (builder of the mill), was an avid nurseryman and horticulturist who also maintained large fruit orchards. An 1861 map of Peirce Mill shows orchards very near the mill. As Steve notes in his book on Peirce Mill, partial restoration of the orchard could expand the historical integrity and educational potential of the mill complex. We are working with staff at Rock Creek Park to make this happen.