The Arizona sentinel., 1885-12-19
THE OLD STONE MILL.
How Newport's Ancient Mystery Has Beer
 Saved From Decay.


 Saved From Decay.
 Antiquarians and arch@ologists of many 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 arch@ologists have in- spected it this summer, and many of these gave it as their opinion that unless speedy measures were taken for thor ough overhauling the grand old structure would rapidly decay and ere long tum- ble into heap of stones. Some years ago some English ivy was planted around the old stone mill, and with the rapid growth peculiar to it's 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 thrusting 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 of 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 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 dan 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-worn 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-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 having been left rough and open. All the windows, mortices for beams, port noleS, nrepIaceS, etc., nave been treated in the same way. All the old portholes and one window, which in the course of time had been filled up with brickwork, were opened and left as originally built. This patchwork 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 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.- -NeOport (R. L) Cor. Boston Journal.
 -