History of the Mill

The Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill is a priceless link to our nation’s early past. Built somewhere between 1793 and 1797, it is the best preserved 18th century tidal mill in its original location in the United States.

Earliest records show in 1793 Oyster Bay resident Charles Wortman acquired the land on which the gristmill sits from John Sammis. His intention was to construct a mill dam and build a mill. Wortman did not see this to fruition and shortly thereafter sold the undeveloped land to Abraham Van Wyck Senior and Junior.

The mill, referred to as Lefferts Mill, was completed by May 1797. Once finished, the elder Van Wyck sold his half ownership to his son for the sum of 250 pounds.

The following year, Van Wyck Junior sold one half ownership of the mill to Samuel and Henry Lefferts for $2,150. Over the next 50 years, the mill would be sold in four shares in order to raise capital for its operation and spread the risk of failure. Sometime between the years of 1842-1850 one miller, Jarvis Lefferts, acquired all four shares of the mill at the cost of $3,637.

The 1860 Federal Census shows the mill ground 4,000 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of corn, and 300 bushels of feed worth a total $7,515. However, by 1870, the federal census indicates that far less product was produced. Therefore we can surmise that Lefferts Mill became a custom mill.

This decline was symptomatic of the dramatic changes taking place throughout the Long Island milling industry. By the mid 19th century, large steam powered roller mills began operation, producing 10 to 12 times more flour per day than a traditional water powered grist mill.

We believe that by 1893 the Lefferts Mill was shut down. Photos from 1903 show the water wheel was significantly damaged, rendering the mill inoperable. Much like other small gristmills throughout the country, the Lefferts Mill could not compete with larger, more efficient steam roller mills. In addition, Long Island agriculture shifted from grain to vegetable agriculture, further eroding the viability of the mill.

Incredibly, despite innumerable storms and daily tides, the Van Wyck-Lefferts Mill still stands today. It is a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship and endurance of its past owners and present day benefactors.