For most of the last two centuries Americans have regarded windmills as a picturesque remnant of our agrarian beginnings, a pleasant, even romantic aspect of the landscape in certain areas of the Eastern seaboard. But in their earlier life they were hard-working laborers in the community, applying man’s ingenuity to tasks essential to survival: they ground grain, sawed wood and pumped water. 

Hook Mill

The owners of a post mill on the north end of the town commissioned Nathaniel Dominy V to build a new smock mill with two pairs of millstones. The mill was built in 1806 and incorporated the main post of the 1736 mill. The Hook Mill ceased operation in 1908. The Village of East Hampton bought the mill and lot in 1922 and restored the mill to working order in 1939. It operated seasonally into the 1950’s. The Village made additional repairs in 1984-85 and 2011-2012.

OPEN: JULY AND AUGUST, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. AND SUNDAY 2 PM TO 4 PM

Hook Mill

Gardiner Mill

A few months after Pantigo Mill was begun, a second mill was commenced on the east side of Town Pond. It was built by Nathaniel Dominy V for John Lyon Gardiner and several other sponsors. Timber for the mill was cut from Gardiner’s Island and the mill was completed on September 28, 1804 costing more than 528 pounds, about $1,320.00. The mill continued to operate up to about 1900.

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. CALL (631) 324-0718