The first grist mill built in 1847, located on the east banks of Flat river, south side of Main street at end of the bridge, marks Lowell’s oldest landmark. Cyprian S. Hooker, a millwright by trade, looked at the proposition of building the mill as nothing difficult for him to undertake. He bought nine acres of land on the east bank of Flat river of Daniel Marsac. The next order in government was the water power which was granted by the government.

All the material for this building was rafted down Flat river from Kiddville. John S., son of C.S. Hooker, a boy of 16, with the help of Indians did the rafting. By the time the lumber was on the ground the race was finished and things began to move.

On the morning of July 4, 1848, 83 years ago, the first grist was ground.

What changes have taken place since then!

If the old Quaker poet could only look back and cast his mild eye on progress’ hot track from the oxen that were to the autos that be: O, weeping Jerusalem! What he would see!

-- Angie Hooker