Long Island's most completely equipped working Grist Mill, the Stony Brook Grist Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In earlier times the mill was the center of community life. People exchanged news and gossip as they waited for the miller to grind their grain. In the 19th century Alois Kopriva played the violin, entertaining his guests with gypsy music. Kopriva was also an advocate for women's right to vote.

As recently as the 1940's, farmers still brought their wheat and corn to be ground at the mill. Miller Frank Schaeffer ground natural wheat at the mill and shipped his "health food" to customers in 42 states.

The Stony Brook Grist Mill was acquired by philanthropist Ward Melville in 1947. He subsequently deeded it to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization which now owns and operates the mill.

The mill is the site of WMHO's "Dusty Program," a field trip that serves thousands of students annually, and is open to the public from April to December.

(Harbor Road off Main Street, Stony Brook, Long Island, New York)

May through November, Saturday & Sunday, 12-4:30 p.m.
September through first weekend in December - Saturday & Sunday 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Adults $2; children .$1 (631)751-2244.