Benfield Mill was one of several mills in the Perkasie area. Beginning in 1919 the mill was owned by Claude E. Benfield. An addition was added in 1927 and in 1930 he installed a new flour mill. A grain storage bin was erected in 1945. In 1948 Harold F. Benfield took over as president of the company. When the mill closed, the building was sold and the structure converted to condominiums. The building design incorporates many of the original structures and exposes them to add significant charm to the building today.
The mill processed grain and flour from area farmers. This sign is one of a number of mill signs on display in common areas of the building. |
Millstone outside of the Benfield Mill today. |
When the mill was in use, grain was crushed between flat stones called millstones. Two stones, one on top of the other were used to grind the flour. The surface of the millstone was called the land and a series of groves called furrows were carved into the stone. The furrows removed the grain's outer husk, directed the ground flour to the outside of the wheel, and allowed air to pass through the stones to let out heat created during grinding. |