Newton Stewart
Water Mill & Dam

Submitted by Bill Swift

Description from the memoirs of Fred Dillard

The dam was made of wood planks laid on sloping 8 x 8 timbers so that logs and limbs would go over during floods. Under the mill floor was a square room that would hold water. This was called the fore bay. A rectangular opening in the wall allowed the water to flow into the cups under the water wheel. This was an under shot wheel. As the water ran under it with pressure generated by the 8 ft. of water above, the wheel turned an upright shaft some 12 ft. long that extended into the floor above. By means of gears and belts, the burrs and machines were turned.

(photo by Emil W. Swift)