An O.W. Holmes Inc. construction crew has unearthed a 19th century millstone in the foundation of the Varney Bridge on Redonnett Mill Road in Bristol Mills.
The precise origin of the millstone is difficult to know for sure, but Bristol Mills historian Russ Guibord said, “it is very possible” it came from a grist mill near the old Redonnett Mill.
The millstone is probably about 150 years old, Guibord said. The stone is split in half, but is otherwise well preserved, as being in the foundation protected it from the elements.
The millstone has grooves cut into it to grind corn or grain.
A water wheel would have turned the millstone, which would have ground the grain against another, stationary millstone, Guibord said. The cuts in the millstone can indicate the size of the water wheel and type of grain it was made for.
A mill would re-cut or sharpen a millstone several times before discarding it, Guibord said. A number of these old millstones are on display around the village. Local boaters have also re-used millstones as moorings in Pemaquid Harbor, Guibord said.
The millstone now stands on display on the side of Bristol Road, just north of Redonnett Mill Road.
