Calendar of Events from September, 2007
Home
Note: if someone can't afford to come to an activity, we have stipends available. Just call Leslie Gertsch at (801) 292-1156.
September Outing
Come join us at Tooele's historic Benson Grist mill for a picnic,
a hands-on tour of several pioneer homes and businesses, and for a
browse through a gift shop and a farmer's market. The cost, $7.00,
covers the bus from Salt Lake to Tooele and your picnic lunch.
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2007.
Time: You can choose to board the bus at 9:30 a.m. at the southeast
corner of the LDS Conference Center which is at the intersection of
North Temple and West Temple. Or, if you need a place to leave your
car or want a bench on which to sit while waiting for the bus, come
to the Blind Center at 250 N 1950 W for a boarding time of 9:45
a.m.
Return trip: We will arrive back at the Blind Center by 4:00 p.m.
and at the Conference Center by 4:30 p.m.
About the Benson Grist Mill:
In 1854, the north end of Tooele Valley
was a hub of early settler activity. In the center of that hub was
the Benson Grist Mill, which processed grains grown by the local
farmers until the 1930's.
Under the direction of Mormon Apostle Ezra Taft Benson, the mill
was built in 1854 in Lake Point, which was then known as Twin
Springs Creek. It was built to serve the early Mormon settlers in
Tooele County.
In 1855, the mill site community became known as Richville and
served as the Tooele County seat until 1861. A tannery and sawmill
were also built nearby. After sitting idle for more than 40 years,
restoration of the mill began in 1983 to preserve the mill site for
present and future generations.
Restoration of the mill, which is widely recognized as one of the more intact pioneer era industrial buildings in Utah, is an ongoing process, captivating the interest of visitors from many parts of the world. The only one of its kind remaining west of the
Mississippi, the Benson Grist Mill was hailed as the most significant structural landmark between Salt Lake City and Reno
Nevada when it was placed on the National Register of Historic
Sites in 1972.
Points of interest at the Mill
The Bolinder Blacksmith Shop, built in the late 1920's, agricultural equipment, the Forsyth
Pioneer Cabin, built by Andrew Barker Forsyth for his bride, Emily Elizabeth Moss, in 1872, the Miller's Home, a replica complete with
a unique fireplace constructed from various rocks found in Tooele County. This home houses a museum and tourist information office. The Country Store is another attraction at the Mill, featuring crafts sold on consignment.
Related Links
American Council of the Blind
The national consumer organization which does not dictate the beliefs and actions of its members.
Blind & Visually Impaired Students of Utah
Our state organization of blind and visually impaired students.
For questions, suggestions, etc., E-mail:
Webmaster