Restoration of nearly 200-year-old Lancaster gristmill almost complete
LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) -- The restoration of a 192-year-old gristmill is nearly complete in southeast Ohio, meaning the six-story facility could soon start grinding grain for the first time in over a century.
Rock Mill, a water-powered mill overlooking the Hocking River in Fairfield County, expects to resume operations as a working gristmill by Thanksgiving.
The gristmill was built in 1824 and last used in 1905. Restoration work began in 2006, two years after the dilapidated structure was acquired by the parks district.
With its two sets of grinding stones, Rock Mill has the ability to produce 300 pounds of flour an hour.
Dave Fey, director of the county's Historical Parks Commission, says all five senses will be impacted on tours of the mill.
Approximately $1.2 million went into the restoration.
