Grist for the Mill

To see the complete exhibit, Grist for the Mill, plan a visit to the Museum when we open to the public again. Check our website for re-opening dates. Thank you to the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to this exhibit. Rick Hendricks, New Mexico State Historian  Eric Liefeld Christopher Schurtz Mesilla Valley Preservation,…

Stone Grinding Makes a Difference White Flour All-purpose flour is used most frequently and is available bleached, which creates a softer texture, as well as unbleached, which provides more structure in baked goods and retains more of the flavor nuance of the wheat. Whole-Wheat Flour Whole-wheat flour is brown in color and is made from…

Modern Milling In the 1870s, the invention of the modern steel roller mill revolutionized grain milling. The process was faster and more efficient. The bran and husk were removed from the grain kernel and discarded, allowing the purest white flour to be produced at a low cost. Beyond being inexpensive and wildly popular, this new…

The tool of the millwright was the “millbill” or “pick,” which was made from specially tempered steel. Only the very best blacksmiths could keep them in good repair. The bill or pick was set in a wooden handle known as the “thrift.” Holding the thrift in both hands, the stone dresser will peck away at…

French Burr Millstones Best in the World! French Burr stones were considered the best mill stones available in the world and were imported from France. The stone was a type of chert. It retained a very sharp cutting edge which was ideal for grinding. The millstones were made up of several stones fitted and held…

Previous Next A pair of gristmill stones found in the 1940s near Ocate, New Mexico. It is quite possible that they were made from a lava flow nearby. On loan from Karl and Toni Laumbach. Native Millstones Most of the native stones used in New Mexico were made of vesicular basalt which was cut from…