Couple again repairs Rensselaer Falls mill

RENSSELAER FALLS — A 19th-century gristmill has gotten a face-lift to help preserve it for years to come.

Owners Kyle D. and Sally W. Hartman recruited friends and a few Amish boys Saturday to help unload three truckloads of concrete needed to reinforce the old mill's foundation.

Maneuvering wheelbarrows filled with concrete, the workers moved quickly throughout the second floor as a steady flow of the thick, gray material flowed down a chute from a truck and through a window into the building.

"The foundation has to stay secure in case you have to jack up the building," Mrs. Hartman said. "You'll have big problems if you start losing the foundation."

Built in 1846 on the banks of the Oswegatchie River, the mill has had its share of wear and tear from the water. The structure was rebuilt in 1913.

"You basically have to fight the river every year," Mr. Hartman said. "These old mills were built right in the water. Over time, the flooding and water just knock out the stone. It just starts caving in."

Known as Morrison Mill, it was among 11 gristmills that once operated in Rensselaer Falls.

Since purchasing the mill at 208 Front St. in 1977, the couple has reinforced the foundation of the five-story building two other times.

One section of the building houses Ladies First, an art gallery operated by Mrs. Hartman, a retired Heuvelton Central School art teacher. The gallery is packed with local art, pottery, jewelry, old photographs, newspaper articles and other artifacts.

The gallery is hosting a Dutch festival and open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Demonstrations in a variety of art mediums are planned, as well as music, historical displays and refreshments. All visitors will receive a free door prize.

Mr. Hartman, known as "Fireball," operates River House Wares & Restoration and has been involved with several architectural restorations in the area, including Maxfield's Restaurant, Potsdam, and the Tallman House, Canton.

Tourists have stopped to visit the mill from various parts of the world, including Australia, England and China, and several regions of the United States, he said.

"I think this is historically important for the town of Canton," Mr. Hartman said. "A lot of people drive by and they don't have any clue we're here."

His wife is certain the mill could have disappeared long ago.

"I'm convinced that if we didn't take care of the mill, it would be gone down the river," Mrs. Hartman said.