The hamlet of Bellona in Yates County, NY, with a population of just over 100 individuals, remains the home of a large stone mill dating to 1828. Standing on the banks of Kashong Creek, from which its stones were quarried, the building was originally a grain mill.
Now, the structure is unused, although a new roof was added within the past few years and has prevented the building from falling into complete disrepair. The site is a rare, intact example of the many stone mills originally found throughout the Finger Lakes region.
In November of 2024, community members became concerned over potential threats to the mill; there was discussion of selling and leveling the structure to make way for a new business.
When this concern was publicized, there was intense public outcry to defend the site, calling for the redevelopment of this historic landmark.
In response, the owner has decided against selling the building, and he has stated that he is open to a potential business partner to assist in adapting the site.
The building provides a great opportunity for historically sensitive rehabilitation and could serve as a hotel, winery, events venue, or other attraction with the increasing development of tourism in the Finger Lakes.
Located just a five-minute drive away from the shores of Seneca Lake, the Bellona mill stands out as a unique example of the region’s architectural past.
The mill has been added to the 2025 Landmark Society of Western New York’s Five to Revive list, which calls attention to sites across the region in need of rehabilitation.
Photo: Bellona Mill, 2025, courtesy of John Kucko Digital, provided by Landmark Society of Western New York.
Recent Comments