Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1885-11-21
THE OLD STONE MIL.


How Newport. Ancient Mystery Has Been
Saved From Dscsy.
A Newport {R. l. correspondent to the
Boston Journal ssys: Antiquarians and
psychologists of many Q land have gazed
upon Viewpoints mystery of mysteries
and sighed for some revelation that
would confirm them in this theory or in
that as to its origin and the uses to which
it was put. But they have sighed in
vain, although they have not sighed
alone, for during the last summer, par
ticularly, many anxieties have been ex-
pressed and felt about the safety Of the
mysterious structure, to gaze upon and
examine which men have come purpose
ly from across distant seas. Not few
arch biologists have inspected it this sum-
mer, and many of these gave it as their
opinion that unless speedy measures
we're taken for thorough overhauling
the grand old structure would rapidly
decay and ere long tumble into heap
of stones.
Some years ago some English ivy was
planted around the old stone mill, and
with the rapid growth peculiar to its ma
ture soon spread in every direction until
nearly every inch, Of stone was covered
up.
About twenty-four years since atten-
ton was called to the fact that this ivy
was working destruction to the mill, and
thrusting out large quantities of mortar,
which caused the stones to be loOsened,
rendering the whole pile in dangerous
condition.
The ivy was finally removed, aud the
building resumed its original appear
ance. OF late years the building has
been growing shaky, and finally public
attention was called to its condition in
a very forcible way.
The CITY authorities took hold of the
matter after some delay, and it is salts
factory to learn from the committees re.
port that, although the work of presrva-
tiou has been somewhat expensive, it is
complete, and that the old mill is now
in condition to Withstand for many years
the destructive forces of the elements.
How bad condition the curious struc-
ture was in may be gathered from the
fact that the architects report states
that the old mill was found to be in an
unstable and dangerous condition. The
upper walls were badly cracked, and for
about two feet down from the top the
old mortar had almost entirely disap-
peared from between the stones. This
portion of the wall has now been laid in
Portland cement mortar, the stones be.
ing removed individually and replaced
in their original positions, and the joints
have been marked out roughly, to pre-
serve all the characteristics of rude rub
ble-work. When any new stones were
required they were selected from among
the sea-worn ones on the beach care be.
ing exercised to obtain the same class OF
slate and granite as was used by the
original builders centuries ago.
The top of the wall has been care.
fully cemented over in slightly round.
ed form, to stop all future infiltration OF
storm water. Where the walls were
cracked bond-stones have been inserted
across the seams, and all the work made
secure. The arches, piers, and upper
walling have been examined, and all
open joints filled in, the outer faces hav-
ing been left round and open. All the
windows, mortices for beams, portfolios,
fireplace, etc.. have been treated in the
same wav. All the old portfolios and
one window, which in the course OF
time had been flied up with brickwork,
was evidently the work of late occu-
pants fitting the old mill for their uses,
and not portion of the ancient struc-
ture. The fact that the mysterious old
structure has been placed in such thor
ough OF der will be most gratifying news
to the Journal readers interested in
arche ology, particularly as the mill is
claimed to be the oldest structure in the
United States, and now restored to its
original appearance. The citizens are
rejoicing over its complete restoration,
for they regard the old stone mill as one
of the things to be treasured more than
fine gold or precious stones.