 |
| Landmark #359 | Napa County | Visited: February 19, 2012 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | The still operational grist mill of Dr. E.T. Bale! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: This historic gristmill was erected by Dr. E. T. Bale, grantee of Carne Humana Rancho, in 1846. The mill, with surrounding land, was deeded to the Native Sons of the Golden West by Mrs. W. W. Lyman, and was restored through the efforts of the Native Son Parlors of Napa County.
OTHER TIDBITS: What a feeble summary! Edward Turner Bale arrived in Monterey in 1837 when his ship, the Harriet wrecked off the coast of Monterey! A physician, he arrived just as the other local physician, Manuel Alva, fell out of favor after trying to overthrow Governor Juan B. Alvarado! Fond of grog, Dr. Bale fell heavily into debt, which he passed on to his wife, María Ignacia Soberanes, the niece of General Mariano Vallejo! The guide doesn’t even take into account that this mill didn’t become economically viable until Dr. Bale died and his wife took over operations! Before that, it was mainly a community center, where local farmers would come to have their grain ground by two French Buhr millstones, and chat! If you’ve ever wondered what “grist” is, it’s an Old English term for grain that has been chaffed and is ready for grinding! Grist mills are most often powered by water wheels and produce very fine flour compared to other types of grinding! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
|
| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park Hwy 29 (P.M. 32.1) 3369 N St. Helena Hwy 3 mi NW of St. Helena, CA 94574 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~423mi (681km) — 7.1hrs |
| When should I go? | The park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM! |
