Chester in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bartley Turbine

Photographed by Alan Edelson, June 28, 2009

1. Bartley Turbine Marker

Inscription. In the late 19th century, cast iron turbines began to replace more picturesque water wheels. Turbines were less susceptible to freezing and did not require the costly construction and endless repairs associated with wooden water wheels. A turbine provided more power with greater efficiency, took up less space and used simpler gearing than a wooden water wheel. This turbione works by directing a flow of water into a closed turbine case. To escape, the water must pass through adjustable, angled gates and turn a central rotor. The rotor turns an iron shaft that transmits power to the mill's machinery. In the 1970s when the mill was restored, the turbine was moved and placed on display. To put the mill back into working order, the turbine was replaced by a 6.35 ton steel Fitz overshot water wheel. This turbine was manufactured by William Bartley & Sons, Foundry and Machine Shop in nearby Bartleyville, New Jersey. (Below) Their patented gearing arrangement allowed the turbine rotor gates to be adjusted for maximim running

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efficiency. (Right) A wooden penstock brought water from the headrace to the turbine. The water turned a rotor inside the metal turbine housing. A shaft extending from the top of the turbine turned belts that powered the mill's machinery.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 40° 46.734′ N, 74° 43.257′ W. Marker is in Chester, New Jersey, in Morris County. It is on Washington Turnpike (New Jersey Route 24) near State Park Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chester NJ 07930, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen

Bartley Turbine image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Edelson, June 28, 2009

2. Bartley Turbine

Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cooper Gristmill (a few steps from this marker); Milltown - A 19th Century Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Hacklebarney (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chester Area Veterans Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Congregational Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Chester Veterans Monument (approx. 1.4 miles away); Sgt. Larry W. Maysey (approx. 1.4 miles away); Brick Tavern (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chester.

Bartley Turbine Internals image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Edelson, June 28, 2009

3. Bartley Turbine Internals

Cooper Gristmill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Edelson, June 28, 2009

4. Cooper Gristmill

Note wooden penstock (mentioned in the marker) in lower right of photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,396 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.