The Gurleyville Gristmill

A 19th Century Stone Mill In Mansfield, Connecticut

The Gurleyville Gristmill is the only stone mill of its kind in Connecticut, and one of only two or three in New England.

It offers a unique opportunity to observe rural 19th century gristmill technology. It contains a complete system of preserved milling equipment. This is not a restoration; here visitors see the equipment as it was operated over many decades and to the middle of this century.

Two sets of grinding stones are as they were when last used. Conveying devices, the silk bolter for flour sifting, shafts, and huge gears are intact.

Unusual in gristmills is the basement, where a huge water wheel once turned from water diverted under the building from the Fenton River.

The Gurleyville Gristmill was for some years operated by the family of Wilbur Lucius Cross, a famous governor of Connecticut. He was born in the house close by. That house is not open to the public, but an extension contains a small museum open whenever the mill is.

The stone building housing the machinery was built about 1835, but a sawmill began operating on the site in 1723. The first gristmill was added about 1750.

Unfortunately the dam was washed away in 1959. It had served for 200 years, repaired and maintained but never modernized.

The property was bought in 1979 by The Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust with private and public funding. The Trust is dedicated to preserving historic and natural resources in a ten-town area around the town of Windham in eastern Connecticut. It maintains the property with private donations and provides guides for visitors.

The equipment is not operated. Attempts to operate the machinery would jeopardize fragile, irreplaceable parts which are of historical significance.

Visitor Hours And Tours

The mill and museum are open 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays from the third Sunday in May through the second Sunday in October. Groups may be hosted any day by appointment. Call 860-429-9023. There is no admission fee. Donations are welcomed.

At any time visitors may view the outside of the mill, relax on the lawns, enjoy the Fenton River and its bridge on Stone Mill Road. Toilet facilities are available only during hours as above and for arranged groups.

How To Reach The Mill

The mill is about 2 1/2 miles east of the University of Connecticut in Storrs (within the township of Mansfield). It is NOT on a numbered route.

The best approach is via Route 195 from Interstate 84 in Tolland or from Route 6 in the eastern part of Willimantic.

At the northeast corner of the University of Connecticut by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, turn eastward on Gurleyville Road. At Gurleyville Village, turn southward and abruptly turn to the right down narrow Stone Mill Road. You are there.

From the south , you may leave Route 195 at the Village of Mansfield Center and follow Chafeeville Road to Stone Mill Road.