Sylvester Manor hosts a Windmill Cocktail Party to celebrate progress on the restoration of the historic gristmill, and to raise funds to complete the project.
The party takes place on Saturday, August 28 at 5 PM at the windmill, which is located at the Sylvester Manor farm stand, 21 Manwaring Road. Purchase tickets, $150, at sylvestermanor.org/windmill.
In the summer of 2018, the first steps were taken to stabilize the windmill’s foundation. Since then, the exterior phase was completed, which included re-shingling the mill and replacing the doors and windows. This past winter, a new wind shaft was installed, to hold the weight of the new blades (also known as sails).
At the Manor’s last Windmill Cocktail Party, the nonprofit raised over $100K, bringing the total donated toward the project to $350K. While it was believed that the amount would be sufficient to complete the work, the Manor said additional problems were revealed during the latest phase of restoration.
“As many of you may know, a historic project of this nature (especially when it’s nearly 100 percent made of wood) can reveal hidden structural issues, damage and unanticipated expenses,” the Manor says in the invitation to the August 28th event.
“Thus, we are back, and will need your help to make this historic windmill fully functional and revive its agricultural legacy.”
For nearly 70 years, the 1810 Nathaniel Dominy Windmill stood in the field at Sylvester Manor without its sails. Today, it has a new wind shaft, neck bearing, weather beam and sails (the cloth won’t be attached until the windmill is in use).
“All thanks to YOU, our generous donors,” the Manor says, adding, “this mill is not only one of oldest and best examples of American craftsmanship, but is now a true landmark for the entire Shelter Island community to enjoy.”
To learn more about the windmill, listen to our interview, recorded inside the structure, with Sylvester Manor’s Bennett Konesni.
You can also view the companion photo essay at: https://shelterislandgazette.com/shelter-island-windmill-photo-tour/.
