The Grist Mill - ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION

BIBLIOGRAPHY SITE CONTENTS LOCATION MAP MEASURED DRAWINGS TEACHER'S CORNER ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION DESIGN TEAM HOME		The Keremeos Grist Mill was built using large logs. The logs were "dovetailed and pegged at the corners" in order to give the mill its structure. (A History of Canadian Architecture, 237.) The mill took a long time to build because of the heavy logs, but at least they knew they had a solid structure. The general store, also built with logs, did not take as long to build. The technology inside the mill was second to none. Installed in 1877, the 'Barford & Perkins' machine was resopnsible for grinding the grain. This model was advertised to work faster and use less power than its competition. The 'Barford & Perkins" machine was a good machine, but the quality of flour was coming into question. Residents of the Similkameen Valley started to complain about the bluish color of the flour. In response, Barrington Price added the 'Eureka Smut & Separating Machine' in 1879. The 'Eureka Smut & Separating Machine' had the ability to clean the grain so it would have a desirable color. (Grist Mill, 16.) In 1881, Barrington Price installed James Jones 'New Process' grinder with the hope of grinding a better quality of flour. The Jones grinder was able to produce a smoother grade of flour. Researchers have not been able to find evidence of other existing James Jones 'New Process' grinders and believe that Keremeos has the last one. The combination of grinders in the Keremeos Mill foreshadowed the roller mill process that is still used to grind grain today. The Keremeos Grist Mill is the last remaining mill of its generation in British Columbia. "The Mill remains intact to this day, presenting original western pioneer technology of the 1800s combined with some of the most advanced industrial devices of that time."(Ibid., 1.)

Last updated 1 March 1999. This digital collection was produced under contract to the Canada's Digital Collections Program, Industry Canada. Produced by Canada's Digital Collections Team. Content provided by BC Heritage Trust and Heritage Branch, Province of British Columbia.