Calistoga in Napa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bale Grist Mill

By Syd Whittle, April 26, 2009

1. Bale Grist Mill Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This historic grist mill known as the “Bale Mill” was erected by Dr. E.T. Bale, Grantee Carne Humana Rancho, in 1846. The mill with its surrounding land was deeded to the Native Sons of the Golden West by Mrs. W.W. Lyman. Restored through the efforts of the Native Son Parlors of Napa County. Under the leadership of past Grand President Bismark Bruck, a grandson of Dr. Bale, and by the Historic Landmarks Committee of the Native Sons of the Golden West. The restored mill was dedicated June 21, 1925.
Tablet placed by Historic Landmarks Committee,
Native Sons of the Golden West
OLD BALE MILL
Rededicated October 1, 1988
By
Napa Valley Parlors
and the
Grand Parlor
Native Sons of the Golden West
Frank Compani, Grand President

Erected 1925 by Napa Parlors Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 359.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce

By Syd Whittle, April 26, 2009

2. Bale Grist Mill Marker

Lower Marker Reads: OLD BALE MILL
Rededicated October 1, 1988
By
Napa Valley Parlors
and the
Grand Parlor
Native Sons of the Golden West
Frank Compani, President

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Landmarks • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 21, 1780.

Location. 38° 32.437′ N, 122° 30.602′ W. Marker is in Calistoga, California, in Napa County. Marker can be reached from Saint Helena Highway (State Highway 29/128). Marker is located at the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park on the trail between the parking area and the grist mill. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3801 Saint Helena Hwy, Calistoga CA 94515, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dr. Edward Turner Bale (within shouting distance of this marker); The White Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Reason P. Tucker (approx. 1.1 miles away); Schramsberg (approx. 1.4 miles away); Larkmead Winery / Kornell Cellars (approx. 1.4 miles away); Charles Krug Winery (approx. 2 miles away); Cesare Mondavi 1883 – 1959 (approx. 2 miles away); Charles Krug 1825 - 1892 (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calistoga.

More about this marker. Also See Dr. Edward Turner Bale nearby marker for additional information.

Regarding Bale Grist Mill. This site was designated

Bale Grist Mill image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, April 26, 2009

3. Bale Grist Mill

as California Registered Historical Landmark No.359 on October 9, 1939.

Additional commentary.
1. From Information on Interpretive Panel in the Grist Mill Museum
When Edward Bale died, his wife, Maria, inherited not just a rancho and two mills, but some difficult financial problems. Perhaps attempting to raise cash before his death, Bale sold several plots of land and even mortgaged the gristmill. Equal to most of the tasks left to her, Mrs. Bale redeemed the mill mortgage and settled other outstanding obligations. She also made at least two contracts with local individuals to manage her rancho.
One of the agreements specified that the attorneys with whom she contracted must “render every personal assistance in their power in the raising and educating her children.” Determined to achieve this goal, Maria Bale sent her children to Sonoma, Santa Clara, and as far away as Boston for schooling.

— Submitted May 6, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

2. Restoration Repairs to the Mill in mid 1950's
Credit must be acknowledged for the restoration efforts by Mr. Howard Wright of Napa during the time frame noted. The mill was shuttered to public visit because of its delapadated and

Bale's Grist Mill image. Click for more information.

Wm. H. Knowles Collection San Francisco, California

4. Bale's Grist Mill

Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress) HABS CAL,28-CAL.V,1-
Click for more information.

unsafe condition. Howard Wright, the Father of St. Helena Baker Jimmy Wright, performed substantial structural remediation to internal areas of the mill. I can recall, and do attest, to the unsafe state of the structure. The County sought to rehabilitate the mill's capacity to withstand pedestrian tourism, which at that time was prohibited. I worked with Howard Wright in a "gofer" status, for several weeks. I still have recall of the mill's "before" Howard Wright condition. The grind stone and turn gears were mostly in tact and the "wheel" would turn but needed much repair. I know first-hand that because of the mill's history, Howard Wright extended above-the-call-of-duty effort, and of himself too, then he was hired to render. Howard did not "restore" the mill, but he did revive it

I can never forget that time at Bale Mill, and I can never forget Howard Wright.

— Submitted April 1, 2019, by David of Lafayette, California.

By Robert W. Kerrigan, Photographer

5. Bale's Grist Mill

Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress) HABS CAL,28-CAL.V,1-
Click for more information.

Mill Stones on Display image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle

6. Mill Stones on Display

The Old Bale Mill image. Click for full size.

By Jack W. Coburn,Martinez, Ca.

7. The Old Bale Mill

Description on Postcard:
This relic of pioneer days is located between St.Helena and Calistoga. Built in 1846 by Dr. Edward T.Bale,it furnished flour to the residents of the Napa Valley for over thirty-five years. Still standing with its overshot water wheel of 45 feet now idle,this historic building is a landmark for tourists.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,685 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.