19th century engraving depicting the Wolf Mill property. Note that Ellicott Creek was split in order to provide a raceway for the
mill and also allow for flood overflow via the branch in the foreground. Image source: BECHS
Water-powered mills were common in the Town of Amherst during the 19th century and its products, especially flour, were in demand
in the city of Buffalo until flour mills were developed along the waterfront. In the area of Amherst known as Skinnersville (near Millersport
and
North Forest), Goodwin Stoddard constructed a mill in 1820 on the above location. It was later purchased by Jacob Getz and then,
in 1877, by George Wolf. It became known thereafter as the Wolf Mill. The photos below are from a pictorial in the Illustrated Buffalo
Express from 1927; they were takien by staff photographer E.J. Rawleigh.
Dam created in Ellicott creek to provide water power for the mill. Image source: private collection.
The Wolf family still owned and operated the mill in 1927, fifty years after George Wolf purchased it.
Looking toward the mill from the dam. Image source: private collection.
The Wolf Mill's Star Brand flour was shipped daily to Buffalo.
Delivering grain harvested from Town of Amherst farms in 1927. Image source: private collection.
By the 1880's, George Wolf had expanded the production of his mill to include sawmilling in addition to a grist and flour operation.
Mill worker turning the wheel that opened the water gates and started the water power. Image source: private collection.
In the winter as many as 16 men were employed sawing logs for lumber.
All the power was"belted" from the driving wheel here. Image source: private collection.
The mill was operated by a flat turbine wheel when there was sufficient water supply.
Young workder loading hopper above one of the first grinding stones installed. In the early days of the mill this stone was used
exclusively for grinding rye. Image source: private collection.
In the summer when water was low, Wolf operated the mill by an engine powered by gas from
wells on the property.
Workers bagging the finished flour below the grinding stone. Image source: private collection.
By all accounts, the mill operation was very successful during the ownership of George Wolf.
The sharpening wheel dated from the earlierst days of the mill and by 1927 was worn down nearly one-quarter in size. Image source: private collection.
The mill as it appeared in its last years. Image courtesy of the Amherst Museum.
When the mill complex closed for good is not known. As of 1965, Mrs. Estelle Allenbach, daughter of George Wolf, and her son lived
on the property,
which had ceased operation many years before.
2006 view of the site of the Wolf Mills on what is now called St. Rita's Lane. A plaque marks the location of the mill.
In the 1980's, Millersport highway was re-routed as part of the development of the University at Buffalo North Campus.
As a result, the old section of MiIlersport adjacent to the site of the Wolf Mill was abandoned and is now accessible by
hikers and bicyclists from the Amherst Bike Path.
2006 view of the location of the Wolf Mill , looking from across Ellicott Creek. No sign of the mill remains as the result of improvements to the creek banks.
Google map of the location of the Wolf Mill, shaded in red. The intersection at top right is Millersport and North Forest Rd.
Special thanks to Amherst Museum Librarian, Toniann Scime for her assistance with this page.