Ray Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Millstones

Photographed By Joel S., August 23, 2015

1. Millstones Marker

Inscription. These stones were used in this mill from the time it opened in 1847 until 1890 when they were replaced by roller mills. These comprise one set, or "run", of stones with a bottom stationary stone ("bedstone") and a top, rotating stone ("runner"). At Wolcott Mill, three run of stones were operated at the same time.

The stones are made up of many pieces. These came from France, and were fitted and held together by an outside iron band. French "Buhr" stones were considered the best type for grinding grain.

Through use, the stones gradually wore down and would need periodic "Dressing". This consisted of separating the stones and leveling the grinding surfaces before chiseling in radiating grooves. These grooves, or "furrows", aided grinding by shearing off husks, directing the product to the outer edge, and allowing air movement for cooling.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 42° 46.012′ N, 82° 55.624′ W. Marker is near Ray, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Ray Township. Marker can be reached from Kunstman Road, 0.6 miles north of 29 Mile Road. The marker is in Wolcott Mill Metropark. From the entrance on Kunstman Road, it is about 0.9 miles from the park entrance to the parking

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lot. From the parking lot, it is about a 0.2 mile walk to the marker near the mill. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 64162 Kunstman Road, Ray MI 48096, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wolcott Mill (a few steps from this marker); Religious Society Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ray Township District No. 1 School (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 3 miles away); Crawford Settlement Burying Ground (approx. 4.6 miles away); Walter C. Wetzel State Recreation Area (approx. 4.8 miles away); Helen Starkweather (approx. 5.1 miles away); From the Foundry Fires (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ray.

Millstones and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel S., August 23, 2015

2. Millstones and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2015, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.