Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1973.006.001 |
Object Name |
Grindstone |
Description |
Two large circular grindstones made of sandstone, both with a hole in the center. Obtained with assistance from the Hoo-Hoo Club. |
Provenance |
These grindstones weighing 5 tons were used in pulp mills to grind wood into pulp for making paper without using chemicals. Since the 1940's synthetic stones to concrete have been used. Natural grindstones like these were quarried from the sandstone of Gabriola Island by the Powell River Mill. A rotary cutter ground in a circular motion to cut out the stones. When suffficient depth was reached the stone was detached at the base by a small charge of gunpowder. They were shipped to Powell River by barge. These two grindstones came from J.A. & C.H. McDonald Stone Quarry in Gabriola Island. They were used by Powell River Company from 1912 to about 1944 (Later known as MacMillan Bloedel LTD). |
Search Terms |
Sandstone Grindstone grinder stone MacMillan Bloedel Power River Company pulp paper making |
Collection |
Sawmill T&E |