What Is That Thing? The Millstones of Rye

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Despite the spring flowers peeking out, there is more to the weathered planters along the path by the Blind Brook in Rye.

The old grinding stones on display were collected from now forgotten mills in Rye history. The oldest grinding stone was part of a larger stone, perhaps used as a mortar by Native Americans to refine nuts and grains, according to the Rye Historical Society.

The other millstones trace Rye's earliest industrial history. The grist stones along the promenade were likely used to mill flour at Chapman's Mill until 1905 when the mill burned down.

Water-powered mills were in the area dating back to as early as the 1660s. The Blind Brook powered a mill that crushed bark for tanning or linseed to make linseed oil. One of the former owners of the historic Square House operated a mill at the site that crushed wool fabric into felt and velvet.

The only mill that still stands is the Kirby Mill on the nearby Long Island Sound shore. The facility is now used as a boatyard.

The stone relics remain in place today to serve as both a reminder of the past and a convenient place for blooming perennials to shelter.

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