Built in 1699 and reconstructed in 1751 after the collapse of its dam, the Stony Brook Grist Mill has experienced multiple periods of disrepair and restoration, including significant efforts in the late 1940s and 1980s.
In the spring of 2024, the mill underwent another phase of restoration under the direction of millwright Amy Boyce. Working alongside her, we corrected earlier repairs, repaired and replaced components of the mill’s drive and gear systems, and returned the mill to a functional state using traditional methods and materials consistent with its historic construction.
The spindle was raised from above to adjust the lower drive components
Adjusting the bridge tree, step bearing surfaces, spindle alighnment, and pulley assemblies
Cleaning, inspectng oil journals and chains, bearing surfaces and alighnment
Reassambling after a through cleaning and service
Using the Stone Staff to check and adjust the level and spacing of the millstones. Next we blackened or spotted in the stones to ensure they are running true and evenly before final operation.
The pit wheel gear was removed, disassembled and cleaned.
New cogs and keys were made from apple wood.
Lifting the wallower and upright shaft to clean the step bearing surfaces and check alignment
More cleaning and aligning of neck bearings thoughout the mill
Truing the line shaft and drive pulleys to ensure correct alignment with other fast and loose pulleys.
Verifying everything is inline and plumb for correct operation
The historic windmill at National Golf Links of America stands between the 2nd and 16th holes and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in American golf. Incorporated into the original course design by Charles Blair Macdonald, the windmill serves as a visual anchor across the landscape, reinforcing the club’s early 20th-century links aesthetic and its connection to the traditions of classic British golf. Over time, the structure has become both a functional and symbolic element of the course, valued as much for its presence and character as for its role within the setting.
My part in the recent restoration work focused on stabilizing and repairing the windmill’s timber frame while preserving its historic character and proportions. Structural repairs were carried out using traditional framing techniques and materials compatible with the original construction, with careful attention paid to minimizing intervention and retaining as much historic fabric as possible. The work was approached with conservation standards in mind, ensuring the long-term durability of the structure while maintaining its integrity as a defining feature of the course.