| After the last bag of flour was ground in the 1940's, the gristmill lay silent for over 40 years, gradually falling into disrepair. In 1983 an ambitious committee of volunteers acquired the mill site property and began restoring the structure one piece at a time. The restored Benson Grist Mill, which is widely recognized as one of the more intact pioneer era industrial buildings in Utah, captivates the interest of visitors from around the world.Now more than 150 years old, Benson Grist Mill was hailed as the most significant structural landmark between Salt Lake City and Reno, Nevada when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1972.Interesting Buildings at Benson Grist Mill:Bolinder Blacksmith Shop- This building was moved from Grantsville, Utah to its present site in 1987. Built in the late 1920's, it was owned and operated by William "Billy" Bolinder, a skilled craftsman, who learned the blacksmith trade from his father.Forsyth Pioneer Cabin- Built by Andrew Barker Forsyth for his bride, Emily Elizabeth Moss, in 1872. Three of the 10 children were born in this cabin. Emily grew up on a small farm nearby and told her children and grandchildren with stories of buying beads from Indians and helping her father boil down salt water from the Great Salt Lake.Miller's Home- Of Primary importance is a replica Millers Home, complete with a unique fireplace constructed from various rocks found in Tooele County. This home provides a museum, and tourist information. This is also being used as an office for volunteers at the Mill today. |
|
