Module 4: Services
A Vital Operation
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and even into the early twentieth century, grist mills were centers of social life where nearly everyone gathered to do business, share information, and visit. The choice of a building site for a mill was determined by the nearby geography and the water source that would power it. Ideally, the area upstream from the intended mill was slightly hilly, had a strong flowing run passing through it, and had a relatively narrow valley or other low spot that could be dammed to create an impoundment area generally called a mill pond. The mill pond allowed the miller to control when and how much water came to his mill.
Beyond their obvious use as a place to grind wheat and corn, some mills were fitted to perform other tasks that could be accomplished with waterpower. In rural communities, most families grew their own grain, which required grinding into flour or meal. Residents also needed sawed lumber for building purposes and a number of Stafford mills were outfitted with water-powered saws.
Millers often capitalized on the steady flow of customers to their buildings by expanding their services to include amenities such as a post office and a dry goods store. These stores often sold a wide range of essential goods, including clothing, tools, and popular medications.
c. 1900 mill water wheel
Brent's Mill which operated from the mid-1600's until 1900.Sounds of Stafford
Voices from the Past
“There are but two water grist mills in the county, one on Aquia, the other on Potomac Run, both owned by Lyman Kellogg, Esq. Both of these mills have a good reputation for turning out good grists. Three are also two steam mills, one in Falmouth owned by Mr. James Bloxton, the other at Brooke, owned by Mr. M[arion] K. Lowry. Although hitherto there has been some prejudice against grists made at steam mills, both of these mills have a considerable reputation among their patrons for good grists. As these two gentlemen are pioneers in this county in that line, they should be sustained by the county people.”
Fredericksburg Star, June 22, 1892
Primary source for Stafford 1896: “Land of Herrings and Persimmons, People and Places of Upper Stafford County, Virginia,” Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, Heritage Books, 2015
Discussion Topics
Name some foods that come from milled wheat or other grains.
Describe how you think nineteenth century mills channeled the power of water to cut lumber.