Thank You From The Medfield Kingsbury Pond Grist Mill Committee...

Thank you from the Medfield Kingsbury Pond Grist Mill Committee...

The Medfield Kingsbury Pond Grist Mill Committee expresses its heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organizations whose support and collaboration made the recent roof restoration project at the historic gristmill possible.

The effort was funded by a 2024 legislative earmark put forth by Congressman Jake Auchincloss after he had toured three of Medfield’s town-owned historic sites, including the mill. His visit—encouraged by his legislative aide and former Medfield student, Kate Anderson, who appreciated town’s history curriculum and remembered her 3rd grade tours fondly—resulted in Medfield receiving $50,000 for capital improvements at three town-owned historic sites. The earmark was co-sponsored by Senator Rebecca Rausch. After the earmark funding arrived, it was split three ways with the grist mill ultimately receiving $16,600 for its roof replacement.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Auchincloss, Senator Rausch, and all those who have helped preserve this cornerstone of Medfield’s heritage,” said Dick Judge, chair of the Kingsbury Pond Grist Mill Committee. “Preserving the mill has been a true community effort over many, many years.”

Additional funding to cover roofing costs was made possible through Medfield’s Municipal Building Stabilization Fund, previously approved by residents at Town Meeting and endorsed by Medfield Select Board. Judge noted that several local partners played key roles in the project’s timely success, including:

• Ben Jachowicz, town project manager, who was instrumental in expediting the RFP process and securing a roofing contract in time for Select Board approval and funding access before the June 30 deadline to spend the money;
• Aqua Barriers of Norfolk (and specifically Chris, Tim and Wade), which completed the cedar roof replacement efficiently and on time, bidding the project at a reduced rate out of shared enthusiasm for the mill’s historical significance;
• APC Pest and Termite Control, a local company that continues to support the building's by donating an annual spring treatment to manage the powder post beetle population, helping to ensure the structure remains standing for future generations; and
• LaPlante Landscaping, for helping to maintain the Grist Mill grounds.

Ongoing financial and community support has also come from the Medfield Foundation (MFi) and its Legacy Fund, which named Grist Mill preservation as one of its local initiatives. For years, Abby Marble, MFi Treasurer and Legacy Fund Committee member, has handled the accounting of private donations made through the foundation, which serves as the fiscal agent for the fundraising arm of the mill.

“The Grist Mill’s legacy goes beyond the building -- it’s about connecting families and young learners to our town’s roots,” said Judge. “As our local historian Richard DeSorgher reminds us, it’s ‘one of the things that makes Medfield, Medfield.’”

Judge added that the mill, once used for grinding corn, wheat, barley and hops, stands as a tribute to the town’s early resilience, independence and self-reliance—qualities that remain vital to its identity today.

Finally, the committee wishes to thank the many residents who have visited, volunteered, donated (including charitable bequests), and provided materials and artifacts. Throughout the history of the Grist Mill, volunteers have helped to maintain the town-owned landmark so the community can all enjoy the year-round treasure.

Town residents own the Grist Mill property, and are encouraged to discover their historic landmark, including a fully operational water wheel, two streams and bridges, plus a waterfall – all set on scenic Kingsbury Pond.

For more information, or to get involved with the Grist Mill, the organization has a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MedfieldGristMi.