The Grist Mill
The Amherst Grist Mill was built in 1748, in sections. During this time mills were very important in the economy. Around Mill River there were seven mills, scattered across the sides of the Mill River. Where the entrance to the Antique shop is today, there used to be an important canal. The water in the canal would turn the water wheel, and the grain would begin its process of being ground. Inside the Grist Mill there are three floors, all of which are very important. "The main structure of the mill remains the same but time has brought changes and alterations to the building and its sight. What is now the parking area beside the Fort River was once a canal which carried the water to the mill. The original mill race and waterwheel were replaced by the turbine in 1909." On the top floor acted as a storage room for the grain. The middle floor, which is where you come into, controls all of the sales. On the bottom floor, or basement was the grinding of the grain. The Grist Mill was overcome by the Farmers Market. It went out of business in 1936.
The building was not used for 20 years. On Halloween nights it would be the place to break in and sneak around to spook people. It was extremely dark, which made it spooky. In the late 1950's it was turned into a lemonade stand and then became a restaurant later on. The restaurant was known as the "Only Nice Place To Eat."
