Recent Projects
(2003-2006)

Bale Grist Mill, CA. Water Mill:

Operating 1846 Grist Mill powered by 36-foot overshot Water Wheel, now a State Historic Park in Napa Valley.  (Visit website)
           
Work Began in December 2006

• Survey and inventory of Mill and components
• Repair and Reassemble dismantled circa 1850 Bolter, a Rotary sifting apparatus for the processing and grading of wheat meal (pictures)
• Future work to include reconstruction of Rolling Screen, Elevators, and Auxiliary Drive

Harden Foundation, CA, Wind Engine:

The Challenge “Double Header” Wind Engine supplies power to millstones,a roller mill, a rocking beam water pump, an elevator, and a woodworking shop, originally constructed circa 1892.  Its grand design makes it the only one of its kind in the world.  (Visit website)

Work Completed December 2006

• Restoration of Milling machinery and Woodworking shop
• Repair and Restore machinery and drives in Mill building, Woodworking shop, and Blacksmith shop to operable condition
  • The Mill (pictures)
  • Woodworking Shop (pictures)
  • Blacksmith Shop (pictures)
• Blue Rod runs up through all three floors of the mill and extends up through the roof.  It is used to control and pivot the slat sections of the Wind Engine, which turns the Engine on and off and also helps regulate the speed via a counter weight, set on the horizontal lever located on the ground floor of the mill.  (pictures)
• Work documented on The History Channel’s “Back to the Blueprint” May 13, 2006 episode.

Flowerdew Hundred, VA. Windmill: 

One of the earliest original land grants in Virginia and one of only two sites in Virginia with an active windmill.  (Visit website)

Work Completed Spring 2005 - Post Windmill Trestle & Crowntree Repair

• Removal of Mill body from Post (pictures)
• Site preparation, bracing, weather protection (pictures)
• Repairs in progress - November 2004 (pictures)
• Reassembly in progress - Spring 2005
  • Post (pictures)
  • Mill Body (pictures)
  • Sails (pictures)
  • Miscellaneous (pictures)
• Finished Project - Spring 2005 (pictures)

Stratford Mill,VA. Gristmill:

 Just one part of Stratford Hall Plantation, the birthplace of Robert. E. Lee.  Featuring a very large waterwheel, this mill was reconstructed on the foundations of the original c. 1740s mill.

Work Completed:

• Fabricated and Installed New Waterwheel Shaft (pictures)
• Fabricated and Installed New Working Gear Set (pictures)
• Complete 14' Diameter Waterwheel Reconstruction (pictures)
• Structural Repairs:  Posts, Braces & Cill Replacement (pictures)

Wye Mill, MD. c. 1682 Gristmill:

 The oldest frame grist mill on the Eastern Shore and the oldest industrial commercial structure in continuous use in Maryland. National Register of Landmarks site. (More Info)