After countless weeks of alternating from snow day frolics to winter cabin fever as the landscapes remained ensconced with ice, snow and chilly arctic blast temperatures, spring is upon us at long last. We can visualize the earth’s ground, daffodils and crocuses are beginning to stretch their way up after their long winter’s nap, pansies have arrived on the scene at area garden centers and we have even reveled in the occasional day here and there of opting out of outerwear. Long Islanders are itching to reclaim their outdoor playgrounds once again. With ocean temperatures still struggling to climb out of the upper 30s, the beach may have to wait. In the meantime, one spot in Stony Brook offers scenic walks and water views as well as a piece of history to explore.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill is a national historic landmark that dates back to the eighteenth century. Villagers brought their grains to be ground, and they caught up with one another on the local happenings while they waited. Ships would also bring their grains for grinding, approaching the mill from Stony Brook Harbor and traversing the Stony Brook, the body of water for which the village was named. As payment for the grinding service, the miller retained one-tenth of the ground flour.
The original mill was built in 1699, but after complete destruction by floodwaters, a new mill was constructed by Adam Smith in 1751. The machinery within the building is entirely powered by water, which flows from the millpond across the street. The water turns the large exterior wheel, which in turn turns the interior wheels and gears to power the millstones.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill was still in operation under the last miller and owner, Frank Schaefer, from 1922 to 1952. Ward Melville purchased the mill in 1947, ultimately donating it to what is known today as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Today, the Stony Brook Grist Mill is open for tours, and the characteristic water wheel continues to turn.
Across from the mill, you can visit the ducks and other waterfowl that serenely glide and happily splash across the millpond. All bills hopeful for a morsel, the sociable ducks and geese will paddle their way over. As you navigate your way along the millpond’s edge, you will come to the sturdy wooden gate that marks the entrance to Avalon Park and Preserve.
The expansive park was created to transform a long-abandoned and neglected tract of land into a re-creation of the landscape of indigenous flora and fauna that once welcomed the area’s first settlers. Combined with the adjoining Nature Conservancy’s East Farm Preserve, there are roughly 140 acres of nature to explore. The tranquil and lush setting offers sweeping views of the millpond as well as hiking trails and paths along bridges, stone stairways and small ponds. The preserve also displays a labyrinth, a sculpture, statues and a host of wildflowers and native plants. It is home to turtles, small mammals, red fox and a variety of different bird species. Dogs are allowed in the park, as long as they remain leashed and owners pick up after the dog, and there is even a water fountain equipped with a canine drinking station.
Seize the next sunny spring day with your camera in tow and visit the Stony Brook Grist Mill, and then take a stroll along the paths of Avalon Park and Preserve. With the light of day extending later, you can enjoy a full day of exploring a piece of history and reveling in nature’s springtime beauty. You can access the Stony Brook Grist Mill, the duck pond and Avalon Park and Preserve at the corner of Main Street and Harbor Road in Stony Brook.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill is a national historic landmark that dates back to the eighteenth century. Villagers brought their grains to be ground, and they caught up with one another on the local happenings while they waited. Ships would also bring their grains for grinding, approaching the mill from Stony Brook Harbor and traversing the Stony Brook, the body of water for which the village was named. As payment for the grinding service, the miller retained one-tenth of the ground flour.
The original mill was built in 1699, but after complete destruction by floodwaters, a new mill was constructed by Adam Smith in 1751. The machinery within the building is entirely powered by water, which flows from the millpond across the street. The water turns the large exterior wheel, which in turn turns the interior wheels and gears to power the millstones.
The Stony Brook Grist Mill was still in operation under the last miller and owner, Frank Schaefer, from 1922 to 1952. Ward Melville purchased the mill in 1947, ultimately donating it to what is known today as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Today, the Stony Brook Grist Mill is open for tours, and the characteristic water wheel continues to turn.
Across from the mill, you can visit the ducks and other waterfowl that serenely glide and happily splash across the millpond. All bills hopeful for a morsel, the sociable ducks and geese will paddle their way over. As you navigate your way along the millpond’s edge, you will come to the sturdy wooden gate that marks the entrance to Avalon Park and Preserve.
The expansive park was created to transform a long-abandoned and neglected tract of land into a re-creation of the landscape of indigenous flora and fauna that once welcomed the area’s first settlers. Combined with the adjoining Nature Conservancy’s East Farm Preserve, there are roughly 140 acres of nature to explore. The tranquil and lush setting offers sweeping views of the millpond as well as hiking trails and paths along bridges, stone stairways and small ponds. The preserve also displays a labyrinth, a sculpture, statues and a host of wildflowers and native plants. It is home to turtles, small mammals, red fox and a variety of different bird species. Dogs are allowed in the park, as long as they remain leashed and owners pick up after the dog, and there is even a water fountain equipped with a canine drinking station.
Seize the next sunny spring day with your camera in tow and visit the Stony Brook Grist Mill, and then take a stroll along the paths of Avalon Park and Preserve. With the light of day extending later, you can enjoy a full day of exploring a piece of history and reveling in nature’s springtime beauty. You can access the Stony Brook Grist Mill, the duck pond and Avalon Park and Preserve at the corner of Main Street and Harbor Road in Stony Brook.