Peirce Mill, built in 1829 on Rock Creek, has served variously as a grain mill, sawmill, orchard, tree nursery, and tea room. Regardless of whether it has been open and in use, or closed for various renovation projects, it has consistently remained a picturesque site for hikers, bikers, and picnickers, where you often see families of ducklings on the creek in the spring. This year the Friends of Peirce Mill organized the first-ever Historic Trades Festival, with friendly, informative craftspeople and hands-on activities. Freshly-ground Peirce Mill flour used to be sold as recently as the 1970s to use for baking and pancakes. This is no longer permitted (the ground grains are now for animal use only), but on this festival day there were stands with local producers selling their wares. I learned about the Common Grain Alliance, which connects and supports small grain farmers, millers, bakers, and brewers, and I bought a pound of whole-grain grits from the FreshFarm Grain Stand (delicious!). I hope this will become an annual event.
