Montana and other aspiring mill excavators:
The miller almost invariably lived within a few hundred feet of the mill, so I would identify the residence and make sure it isn't disregarded.
For general principles of milling technology, David Macaulay's Mill is well illustrated and succinctly written in plain terms. It may be out of print, but many were printed and it shouldn't be difficult to acquire. Less available is Martha and Murray Zimiles' American Mills. It is beautifully illustrated and well-written, and some of the drawings are very informative.
For technical period information on mills, dams, millstones, etc., Oliver Evans' Young Millwright's Guide (late 18th century) has been reprinted numerous times. The webstore at the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) lists several reprinted late 19th and early 20th century books that have been reprinted. Leffel's thin volume on mill dam construction is particularly informative.
An important distinction among grain mills on the East Coast is whether they were merchant mills, operating in national and international markets, or custom mills grinding out flour and feed for local consumption. Many Eastern mills changed to turbines and steel rolling mills in the 1880s. That grand transition is something to look for on the West Coast.
Jim Gibb
Annapolis, Maryland USA
----- Original Message -----
From: Montana Long
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 2:11 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 19th century flour mills
I am involved in the relocation and excavation of a water-powered 19th
century flour and grain mill which burned down in the 1860's near Salem,
Oregon. This site is adjacent to a newer mill which may be constructed in
part of salvaged materials from the burned mill. I am trying to gather
sources which can help me to determine(if possible) the typical structural
and technological design these mills had, i.e. what was the necessary
geography for such mills, how big were they, what was the manner of their
construction, and what we can expect to find in terms of material remains?
Also of interest is how and where mill workers of this period lived.
This project is in its infancy so even general information would probably
be useful. I thank you kindly for your time and consideration
Montana M. Long
University of Oregon Graduate Teaching Fellow
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