Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1885-12-03
THE OLD STONE MILL.
How Viewpoints Ancient Mystery Has Bee
Saved From Decay.

Antiquarians and psychologists Of
many a land have gazed upon Newport's
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, particularly, many anx-
ieties have been expressed and felt about
the safety of the mysterious structure, to
gaze upon and examine which men have
come purposely from across distant
seas. Not few psychologists have in.
spected it this summer, and many OF
these gave it as their opinion that unless
speedy measures were taken for a thor
ough overhauling the grand old structure
would rapidly decay and ere long tum.
BILE 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 nature soon spread
in every direction until nearly every
inch of stone was covered up. About
twenty-four years since attention was
called to the fact that this ivy was rap
idly working destruction to the mill,
and thrusti9g out large quantities OF
mortar, which caused the stones
(Which many believe were handled
by Norsemen, while others aver
that the structure was the work al
Druids) to be loosened, rendering the
whole pile in dangerous condition.
The ivy was finally removed, and the
building resumed its original appear
ance. OF late years the building has
been growing shaky, and finally public
attention was attracted to its condition
in very forcible way. The city author.
tiles took hold of the matter after some
delay, and it is satisfactory to learn
from the committees report that, al.
though the work of preservation has
been somewhat expensive, it is complete,
and that the old mill is now in condition
to withstand for many years the destruc-
tive forces of the elements. How bad
condition the curious structure 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 dam
gerous condition. The upper walls were.
badly cracked, and for about two feet
down from the top the old mortar had
almost entirely disappeared from be-
tween the stones. This portion of the
wall has now been laid in Portland
cement mortar, the stones being re-
moved individually and replaced in their
original position, and the joints have
been raked out roughly. to preserve, all
the characteristics of rude rubble-work.
Where any new stones were re-
quired they were selected from
among the sea-worH ones on the beach,.
care being 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 carefully
cemented over in slightly rounded
form, to stop all future infiltrations OF
storm water Where the walls were,
cracked bond:steaes 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
having been left rough and open. AL
the windows, mortices for beams, port
holes, fireplaces, etc., have been treated
in the same way. All tbs. old portfolios
and one window, which In the course Of
time had been filled up with briekwork,
were opened and left as originally built.
This b9iekwork was evidently the work
of late occupants, fitting the old mill
for their own uses, and not portion of
the ancient structure. The fact that the
mysterious old structure has been placed
in such thorough order will be most
gratifying news to readers interested in
archaeology, particularly as the mill is
claimed to be the Oldest structure in the
United States, and now restored to lis
original appearance. The citizens are
rejoicing over its complete restoration,
for they regard the old stone mill rs one
of the things to be treasured more than
fine gold or precious stones.--NeaUpoyt
(R. II Cor. Boston journal.