Blaker's Mill Pond

Blaker's Mill Pond. . , Mill ponds have been the subject of song and romance. Blaker's Mill Pond provides the water for operating Blaker's Mill. While the mill is operating, water is pumped from the West Fork (of the Monongahela) River at the rate of around 2000 gallons a minute. The water passes through the turbine and then is returned to the river., This pond is built on the site of the original dining hall for the state 4-H camp and the kitchen drains for that structure were the source of a major leak in the pond until they were finally located and sealed. After the dining hall was relocated to its present site, this same site became the much beloved "Formal Garden." Hundreds of weddings, vespers services, and other activities were held in the beautiful garden which was surrounded by a low hedge and had a goldfish pond at its center., This pond is about 12 feet deep at its present deepest spot and is stocked with channel catfish, bluegill, and wide mouth bass. While fishing is not allowed to the general public; various contests and activities are held each year that involve catching fish then releasing them back into the pond.