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The first of Samuel Cox's family of Long Island was James Cock, who owned a lot in Southold prior to 1659 (the ledger of Southold Town prior to this time had been lost). In 1662 he moved to Oyster Bay, where his descendants still live to this day. James's great great grandson, Richard, was a cattleman and drover who passed through Mattituck a number of times during his life. His son, Samuel Cox, upon returning from the war in 1812, secured permission from the Town of Southold to construct a "Tidal Mill" on Mattituck Inlet. Five years later the dam, mill and mill gates were completed. The mill was later included in the Library of Congress as a noble "relatively rare engineering structure". If one stops to think about it, this mill had much more to operating than the usual mills. First of all, the entire creek had to be dammed in order for the utmost power to be utilized. Secondly, work hours were not the usual nine to five, but rather depended on high and low tide schedules. Moon, tides and weather must all have made the job of Grist Miller quite varied. The mill turned both night and day. The incoming tide would force open gates at mid-stream of the dam. When the tide turned, these gates would close and a smaller auxiliary gate opened running water through a tunnel, turning the mill once again. Customers would bring their grist to the mill and hoist it up to the second floor. Then it was fed into a hopper, which held two flat stones that rubbed against each other. Then the ground grist would drop into a chute and be weighed. Payment for the grinding was a percentage of the grist. Cox and his sons ran the mill very successfully for a number of years. In 1825 James Worth bought a half interest and Barnabas B. Horton bought a quarter interest in 1833. During the next five to ten years even more shares were sold to several people. Among the owners were Walter and Edward H. Terry, Martin L. Robinson and George Cooper. Captain Joshua W. Terry became the miller in 1847 when he decided to retire from the Sea-going life. He retired in 1902. The mill was sold then to Yetter and Moore of Riverhead, who had a successful soft beverage and ale business. The mill was no longer profitable as the new steam mill had come to town. The mill was sold for $300. Under Yetter and Moore the old mill became a popular beer tavern. One satisfied customer was quoted as saying "so much for the grist mill, it will now be known as a gin mill". Otto Magdefrau became a manager of the Old Mill who brought its popularity even higher. Not only did he encourage patrons to carve their names on the beams and sides (beams which are still visible today), but also had a collection of animals that kept the clientele amused. Stories and pictures still exist of the beer-drinking monkey that lived in the bathroom in the water tower. During a storm in 1906, the tidal dam was destroyed. The Southold Town Board then purchased a "used" bridge to replace the dam. The bridge could swivel, allowing boats to continue up-creek. Patrons of the tavern often helped in the moving of the bridge for yachting traffic. In 1955 the bridge was condemned by the town, who had it blown up. Stories of bootlegging in the area were abundant. The location of Mattituck Inlet - a convenient distance from New York City, made the creek a popular drop-off spot for rumrunners. There is still a drop door in the kitchen of the Old Mill. Like most old bars located on the water, these doors weren't just used for disposal of fish carcasses. It was easy for boats to pull up beneath and hang up bags full of "hooch"! In 1939 George Naugles opened the bar and restaurant, with Mr. and Mrs. Bert Lipton as supervisors. They had previously worked at the Savoy Plaza Hotel in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Holmes were running the place in 1975, and had been since 1958. Mrs. Holmes had become quite a celebrity at the Old Mill. It is rumored that she passed away there, yet still tries to keep her hand in. Numerous employees have had run-ins with her - the bar fruit trays moved, the ice-scoop flies across the room, and her rather "cool" presence if felt in front of the fireplace. Since the Holmes, David Bascola and family, David Rosenberg, Bruce Acker, and Walter Stockton has owned the Inn. During Walter Stockton's time, the ceilings were covered with sheetrock, covering many of the old names that graced them. Large wooden beams were left uncovered and names from the turn of the century are authentic. Now Judy and Jerry Daly own the Old Mill. Today the Old Mill is one of the nicest and friendliest places to stop in for a drink and/or lunch and dinner. One thing that hasn't changed in many years is the friendliest patrons - perhaps due to the circular bar, which allows everyone to converse easily. If you happen to be an old patron, you may remember the head waiter "James". Jerry Daly received an article on James and has posted it in the entryway of the Old Mill. James Primus is doing fine and enjoying retirement in Fort Meyers, Florida. Mr. Daly says that quite a few people ask how he is doing and he wanted them to know. Do yourself a favor - stop by and experience the historical atmosphere. A piece of the Old Millworks is still down there - in more ways than one. |
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Aubrey Wigley |
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appetizers . salads . soups . dinner . Home . desserts . children's menu . find us |
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