Barnet in Caledonia County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
Ben's Mill
Photographed By Dennis Gilkenson, June 28, 2019
1. Ben's Mill Marker
Inscription.
Ben's Mill. . This water-powered mill on the Stevens River was built in 1872 by Alexander Jack. It originally housed a patented woolen print and dye works. In 1893, James Judkins retooled it as a wagon and woodworking shop. Judkins’ Shop was later run by sons Fenton and Don, who added a cider press and blacksmith shop. From 1901 to 1915 the Mill provided the only source of electricity for Barnet. After six years of apprenticing for Fenton Judkins, Ben Thresher purchased the Mill in 1947. Ben’s Mill offered equipment repair and production needs of local famers. Thresher demonstrated his exceptional skills in a 1981 PBS Odyssey production. He operated the Mill until 1994, preserving a working industrial monument to the ingenuity and skill of Vermont craftsmen.
This water-powered mill on the Stevens River was built in 1872 by Alexander Jack. It originally housed a patented woolen print and dye works. In 1893, James Judkins retooled it as a wagon and woodworking shop. Judkins’ Shop was later run by sons Fenton and Don, who added a cider press and blacksmith shop. From 1901 to 1915 the Mill provided the only source of electricity for Barnet. After six years of apprenticing for Fenton Judkins, Ben Thresher purchased the Mill in 1947. Ben’s Mill offered equipment repair and production needs of local famers. Thresher demonstrated his exceptional skills in a 1981 PBS Odyssey production. He operated the Mill until 1994, preserving a working industrial monument to the ingenuity and skill of Vermont craftsmen.
Erected 2018 by Vermont Divison for Historic Preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 44° 18.628′ N, 72° 5.839′ W. Marker is in Barnet, Vermont, in Caledonia County. Marker is on West Barnet Road, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2478 West Barnet Road, Barnet VT 05821, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2019, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2019, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
