The Old Mill Museum
Weston Priory
TOWN GUIDE : WESTON
The Old Mill Museum
The Weston Historical Society oversees three volunteer-staffed museums : The Old Mill Museum , The Farrar-Mansur House , and the Craft Building . All three museums are open through the majority of the summertime and close in the early fall . For those who wish to further acquaint themselves with the history of this treasured Vermont town , the Weston Historical Society conducts walking tours and sponsors lectures throughout the year . Originally built in the late 18th century as a sawmill by Ezekiel Pease , the Weston Mill was reborn as a one-story gristmill in the early 20th century . Coincidentally , the mill was managed by members of the Orton Family . The milled grain products that the Orton family sold eventually led to the formation of the Vermont Country Store catalog business .
In the advent of stricter industrial regulations , the Weston Mill closed down and became a museum in the late 1950s . Today , Visitors who come to the Old Mill Museum can observe different pieces of an authentic hydro-powered mill in action , including the turbine , gears , belts , and pulleys . Milling demonstrations take place when the museum is open , and the second floor is home to a broad collection of antique tools . Outside of the mill , a gorgeous millpond and waterfall provides an exceptional setting for picnics and photo opportunities .
Weston Priory
Founded in 1953 by Abbot Leo Rudloff , the Weston Priory is a Benedictine monastery that is open to visitors who wish to join in prayer and reflection . In addition to housing a gift shop , the Priory also hosts men and women who wish to spend several days in the monastic atmosphere . Retreat bookings are available on the website , and those who visit the Priory are also welcome to explore their front pond area and on-site labyrinth . In addition to selling gifts such as beeswax products , pewter pendants , greeting cards , weavings , and ceramic and wood crafts , the Priory gallery shop also sells music recorded by the Priory ’ s monks . The entire monastic community is involved in the production of the music , and each brother lends their voice and spirit to the recordings . Most of the song recordings are available on CD , and many are supplemented by song books and organ music books .
“ America ’ s Greatest Quartet ”
– Time Magazine
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48 VERMONT MAGAZINE