Newark in Licking County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
How the sawmill works…
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 2, 2022
1. How the sawmill works… Marker
A typical steam engine used to power sawmill. A life-sized example of a steam engine is on display inside the Works!
In the past, sawmills were powered either by a steam engine or by water. Today sawmills are generally gasoline-powered and are computerized.
This particular sawmill was powered by a steam engine. The energy was transferred from the steam engine to the sawmill by means of a wide belt. The speed of the sawmill's blade depended on the kind of wood being sawn. For softwoods like pine, the blade cut efficiently at about 500 rpm (revolutions per minute). For hardwoods like oak or for frozen logs, the sawmill ran slower in order to keep the blade from overheating and ultimately warping. Operating a sawmill like this one was strenuous and dangerous work.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 40° 3.416′ N, 82° 23.882′ W. Marker is in Newark, Ohio, in Licking County. Marker is on South 1st Street just south of East Canal Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. How it got here - A sawmill comes home (here, next to this marker); Scheidler Sawmill - Manufactured ca. 1896 (here, next to this marker); A community effort comes together (here, next to this marker); Early Transportation in Newark (a few steps from this marker); Ohio & Erie Canal FAQ's (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ohio & Erie Canal Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Newark Native Jerryie Mock (within shouting distance of this marker); The Interstate Highway System (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newark.
Photographed By Craig Doda, September 2, 2022
2. How the sawmill works… Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 12, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
