The Leader

Freeport, L. I., NY
Thursday, October 2, 1997

   As a part of the Raynor Family Association’s Reunion Activities in 1997, a restored historic marker was dedicated and placed on Mill Road in Freeport to note the site of the Raynor Grist Mill and Saw Mill of the 1800’s  which was located at the head of Freeport Creek across Mill Road from the present Recreation Center and parking lot (which at one time was Mill Pond).  The marker was first placed at the same site in 1935 by the Daughters of the American Revolution to denote the site and recognize Edward Raynor and children as first settlers of "Raynortown" in 1659.

  The Grist Mill and Saw Mill was a vital industry to the fledgling community of Raynortown, and Daniel Raynor was the town’s first miller.  He lived between 1791 and 1867 and during his time, farmers would drive their wagons full of wheat from many miles around to the mill, where Mr. Raynor would grind it in return for a share of the flour.

  Two brooks supplied the water for the mills.  Most of the waterpower was used for the gristmill.  Corn was ground in the grist mill, using large undershot wheels powered by water in a stream below.  But in the spring when water was plentiful, the saw mill would be in operation.  It was not uncommon for Mill Pond to overflow its bank onto Mill Road.

  Edward Raynor, the son of the above mentioned Daniel, inherited the mill.  He and his son Bedell operated the mill until it was sold in 1874 to Isaac Horsfall.  Mr. Horsfall operated the mill until 1885, whereupon he sold his property to the Brooklyn City Water Department.  The mills were abandoned two or three years later.
 
 

Editors note:

Information for this piece was taken from "Reminiscences of the Mill Pond" by William E. Golder found in the Raynor Family History Booklet by Clinton E. Metz

Photographs and map provided by Jeanne and Robert Raynor of Merrick, LI