Old Grist Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Grist Mill
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Little River Rd., East Lebanon, Maine |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1774 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000118 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1975 |
The Old Grist Mill is a very old and important building in eastern Lebanon, Maine. It was built way back in 1774! This makes it the oldest factory-like building still standing in the town. For many years, it was a busy place where farmers brought their grain to be ground into flour. Today, it's no longer a mill, but it's still a special part of history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, which means it's recognized as a really important historical site.
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Discovering the Old Grist Mill
The Old Grist Mill is located near the Little River in a quiet, rural part of Lebanon. It's a two-and-a-half story building made of wood. It has a pointed roof and a very strong stone foundation. This foundation has been made even stronger with concrete.
What Was a Grist Mill?
A grist mill was like an old-fashioned factory for food. Farmers would bring their grains, like corn or wheat, to the mill. Inside, large grinding stones would crush the grain into flour or meal. This was a super important process for communities before modern factories existed.
A Look Inside the Mill
The mill's main supports are huge pieces of wood. These timbers were cut and shaped by hand. They are about 13 inches (33 cm) square and can be as long as 22 feet (6.7 meters)! A small room even sticks out over the river. This design helped the mill use the river's power.
The Mill's Long History
The Old Grist Mill was built in 1774 by a person named Joseph Hardison. At first, it was only used to grind grain into flour. But over time, it started making other things too. It could also produce wooden shingles for roofs and clapboarding for house walls.
The mill was more than just a place to work. It was also a community center! People could buy things at a small store inside. It was also a place where important public notices were posted. Imagine it as an early version of a community bulletin board.
Why the Mill Closed
The mill was very busy for many years. But by the 1870s, things started to change. Railroads made it easier to transport goods from bigger factories. Also, fewer people were farming in the area. Because of these changes, the Old Grist Mill eventually closed down.
The Mill Today
In the 1970s, the mill was carefully repaired and brought back to life. It even used electricity instead of water power for a while. Now, the building has been changed into a home. It also has space for a small shop or an artist's studio.
Just a short distance downstream from the mill, the Little River Road crosses the river. It goes over the Grist Mill Bridge. It's possible that Joseph Hardison, who built the mill, also helped build the foundation for this bridge!
