The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Gristmill Museum, General Store and Environmental Education Center

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Gristmill Museum, General Store and Environmental Education Center, Saint Vincent College

Institution Name: Saint Vincent College
Original/Historic Place Name: Gristmill Museum, General Store and Environmental Education Center
Location on Campus: 300 Fraser Purchase Rd.
Date(s) of Construction:

1854	original construction Baumann, Theolbald

Designer: Br. Theolbald Baumann, O.S.B.
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Regionalist/Vernacular (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, education, engineering, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: field stone and brick

Walls: wood

Roof: metal

Function:

ca. 1854	other (sawmill)
ca. 1854-present (2006)	other (gristmill)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	other (Wetlands Education Center)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	museum

Narrative:
The Gristmill is a fully operational mill with most machinery dating back to 1854. Originally operated by steam, the equipment was converted to electrical power in the 1950s. It has recently been restored and conforms with contemporary codes and today it is a visitor and educational center. It still produces flour used by the monks and students and serves to educate visitors about industrial techniques of the 19th century, as well as contemporary techniques in wetland conservation.

References: