The original plan for the day was to relax around the house, doing things like watching a movie, working on a puzzle, playing a game (not on the computer), and going out for ice cream. But plans changed as they tend to do. Yesterday, when we were talking with the millwright at Union Mills, he mentioned that the mill there was similar to the one they have at Mt. Vernon, George Washington's Estate. So we decided it would be interesting to compare the two and maybe reinforce some of the things we learned yesterday. The added bonus was that Ward's father lives nearby, and we could visit him.
But first, we had a French toast breakfast. Another thing that we've been meaning to get around to but haven't for a year or two. No good reason except inertia. One of the motivators for this was to use maple syrup that my father made, starting with tapping the trees. It seemed too precious to use, but he made it to be enjoyed instead of taking up shelf space. So that's what we did. Enjoyed it on French toast.
Below are a few more details of the day.
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| In addition to the French toast, we had bacon, fresh peaches, and blueberries from Aunt Martha's patch. |
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Then it was onto the grist mill at Mt. Vernon.
In the mid-1760s, George Washington changed his major cash crop from tobacco to wheat and other grains. He erected a commercial grist mill to make flour to ship to Europe. This building and the equipment inside are replicas of the original and were built on the same spot as the first one. The mill is fully operational. |
The mill setup was the same as at Union Mills, except the water wheel was inside.
Both used the very efficient Evans method.
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| Next to the mill, George Washington had a distillery-another good use for the grains he was growing. Like the mill, the distillery had been replicated on its original spot and was fully operational. |
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| Ward is examining a worm--inner, copper tubing of the still. Whiskey was the main product. BTW, a pint of whiskey made here costs $100 in the gift shop. |
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Next, we hopped over to my father-in-law's house for lunch and a visit.
I needed a piece of a tree trunk for a project at work, and Ward and his dad were able to help me. |
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| Shortly after we got home, our electricity went out. Luckily, that only lasted for a couple of hours, and it gave me a chance to try out my new LED glow bracelet. It was a giveaway at a library program, and I was surprised to learn that it had a rechargeable battery. |
Well, our staycation is winding down, and it's time to get back to the matters at hand. However, we still may find something fun to do on Sunday. Stay tuned...
Grist mills are interesting! Did they grind flour to sell? I purchased so.e in North Carolina at a grist mill once. It was fun to bake with.
ReplyDeleteThey had flour for sale in the Mt. Vernon gift shop but we didn't buy any. They used to sell flour and cornmeal that they ground at Union Mills, but new regulations are making it difficult for them. Union Mills is a much smaller operation and they can't afford what Mr. Vernon can as far as raw materials go.
DeleteOoh, now I am wanting French toast! I think I know what I'm having for brunch, today! :D
ReplyDeleteTwo mills in as many days! What fun! Plus you got to visit family and collect a piece of wood you needed. Glad the power outage didn't last for long.
Thank you for sharing your staycation, June! Hope the last day is turning out to be just as fun!
I love French toast but I like to eat if with a lot of butter and syrup, so I try not to eat it very often. This toast was very good and the syrup was delicious.
Delete$100 bucks for a pint--whoa! We have a mill here, that's a museum--Thompson Mill State Heritage Site. I've visited twice and love it. They have an interesting fire suppresant sprinkler system--old timer type, pipes with holes drilled along bottom, waxed closed. Ingenious!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is clever. I've never seen a sprinkler system like that before, but it makes perfect sense!
DeleteI think you and Ward had a great Saturday! Yum on that French toast and the extra trimmings for breakfast! Interesting with George Washington. I didn't realize he had changed his crops. I visited Mount Vernon years ago but don't remember that from the tour. So cute that the bracelet worked when the electricity went out! Neat that it is rechargeable too! Will be interested to see what you chose to do on Sunday!
ReplyDeletebetty
The grist mill and distillery were only completed about 15 years ago, so they may have not been done when you visited. Also, they are close, but not located at Mt. Vernon proper. The French toast was good. I wish I had some this morning, but it's back to cereal for me for convenience sake.
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