Gristmill
Robert Patterson, grandfather of future NCR founder John Patterson, owned several mills on his Dayton homestead. Stonemill and Sawmill Roads between Main and Brown Streets were named for Patterson's mills.
In the 1800s, water-powered mills were a common sight. Mills ground corn and wheat into flour, carded and spun wool, crushed flax into linseed oil, and sawed lumber. An abundant water supply was a boon to the small community of Dayton. By 1823, there were 50 gristmills along the Miami River, 11 in Montgomery County alone.
Overshot wheels like this one used the weight and momentum of falling water to generate the power needed to run the millworks. This building is modeled on Staley's Mill, built in 1818 in New Carlisle, Ohio.
Built in 1946 in Carillon Historical Park.
Signage funded by Warren E. and Thelma L. Snyder
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.
Location. 39° 43.669′ N, 84° 12.038′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Ohio, in Montgomery County. It is in University Park. It can be reached
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Miami Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Gristmill (here, next to this marker); The Old River Park Swimming Pool Light Tower (a few steps from this marker); What Did You Find? (within shouting distance of this marker); Marie Sturwold Aull (within shouting distance of this marker); The Marie Aull Tribute Sculpture & Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Old River Park Swimming Pool Light Tower (within shouting distance
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 431 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
