The grist mill is in a beautiful location with hiking trails around. There is a gorgeous bridge crossing the water (the water is incredibly clean). The structure just brings you back and it's wonderful to experience. When I visited there was a helpful woman that was clearly passionate about history and loved to share it with people. She was very polite and explained the changes over the years to the grist mill and when it was used for what purpose. Overall, the mill was wonderful to experience, and I would reccomend it to anyone in the area.
The mill was owned by my late wife's Grandfather. The mill processed grains (the silk used to do so is still in the mill) and it operated as a sawmill. The water to power the mill was contained behind a dam, the remnants of which are still visible. My late mother-in-law told of watching salmon try to jump the dam.
Ownership eventually passed to Uncle Tony and he lived in the house on the property until his death. It was at that point the historic society. obtained the property. When they bought the property the mill was in need of repair. What you will see today, if you visit the mill, is a wonderfully resurrected grist mill. However, there is an additional treat on the property for people from Connecticut. The little house is where Governor Wilbur Cross was born. Yes the same governor for whom the highway is named.
One might ask when is the best time to visit? Some might say spring when the trees are awakening from their long winter nap and the Fenton River is full with the run off from the melting snow. But others might point to the warmth of summer and the beauty of the river as it trickles over the rocks and the calm that can wrap it's arms around each visitor. But then there is fall. The trees around the mill burst into a symphony of beautiful warm colors and the heat of summer has diminished. Or one can visit in winter with the ground blanketed with a sparkling white snow and the slivers of ice on the river catch the sunlight and sparkle like over-sized crystals.
The bottom line: take a sliver of time or more and visit the grist mill any time you can - it is worth it. And if you are there when the mill is open look to your left when you enter. There is a wooden, hand made lathe that was made by my in-laws. Uncle Tony gave it to me but when I saw the work the society had done I donated it. It is where it belongs.
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