By: Seth Dubowsky, Historic Mill Interpreter
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| Fitz Style Water Wheel at West Point |
When I first entered the West Point Mill I confess I was more interested in the building than the milling equipment. Although it is a reconstruction, the West Point Mill exhibits some great examples of post and beam carpentry. I talked a bit of history with the Millers, got a tour of the building, and got a rundown on the basic operation of the mill. No one told me about the music…
Now hold up just a sec. You are probably thinking that I'm about to promote the latest festival, holiday event, or dance camp that takes place in our Durham parks. These are all great events, and they help to bring music to life in our parks, but that isn't where I'm going with this. Don't scroll down just yet.
What no one told me about old mills is that each one has a sound that is unique unto itself. There are toe tapping, rhythmic harmonies that every mill produces, and anyone who has been around an operating mill for any period of time knows, whether consciously or sub-consciously, that it has a beat. And yes, you can dance to it. Experienced millers are attuned to it. When the beat changes they hear it, and they know instinctively that action is required, be it re-filling the hopper, letting in more water, or shutting down to check for a problem. I have seen three experienced millers standing together chatting during a grind, all three unconsciously tapping their feet in unison in time to the rhythm of the machinery.
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| One of West Point's Miller's Prepping the "Big Stones" |
Millers at West Point operate two types of grinding machinery: a pair of 1800 period French burr stones, and a 1943 Meadows mill. Both are powered by a barrel shaped Fitz style overshot wheel. The burr stones, collectively known at West Point as "the big stones", are surprisingly quiet. They remind me of smooth jazz. The swish of the Fitz style water wheel in the background provides a high hat type sound to the music, and the low pitched rumble of these stones produces a soothing and mellow harmony. This is accented with a very light percussion section from the tapping of the shoe, and the voice of the damsel. As the smell of fresh ground corn permeates the air, and the quiet music fills the mill, one can step away for a moment from cell phones, traffic, and the cacophony of daily life, and return to a simpler time.
The counterpoint to "the big stones" is the 1943 Meadows Mill. This is pure rock and roll, if you will pardon the pun. As the sluice gate opens, water flows across the top of the overshot wheel with the opening swish of a high hat cymbal. Belts and pulleys begin to turn adding a steady thrum of bass guitar. As the Miller shifts the drive belt from the idler pulley to the drive pulley, the belts begin to hum more deeply in the background. The elevator and sifter begin to turn, picking up speed and providing rhythm. Finally the beater bar kicks in with a steady, fast, snare drum sound that drives the music. Let the toe tapping begin!
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| Millers at West Point Operating the Meadows Mill |
If you love old mills you should listen to their music anywhere you find them. As you travel around the country, stop in and spend an hour or two at a jam session. Even if the mills themselves are long gone, the dams and waterfalls will still sing to you. If you are lucky enough to find a Miller, they will most likely be willing to open up shop and play a tune for you. You will probably also get a lesson in local history, mechanics, and maybe even make a friend.
If, in your travels, you make your way to West Point, and you would like to hear some local music, let me know. We try to "jam" every weekend in the summer. I can hook you up with some back stage passes. After all, I'm with the band.
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