Gaston's Mill-Lock No. 36, Sandy and Beaver Canal District

Gaston's Mill-Lock No. 36, Sandy and Beaver Canal District, is a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The district is located within Beaver Creek State Park, approximately 1 mile south of Clarkson, Ohio. Gaston's Mill was constructed in 1837 and was powered by Little Beaver Creek. Lock 36 was one of 90 locks on the Sandy and Beaver Canal. Construction of this canal began in 1834 but was not completed until 1848.Restoration and reconstruction of the mill began in 1964 and today it grinds whole wheat flour, corn meal and buckwheat flour. Gaston's Mill is the only working water-powered grist mill in Columbiana County. The rebuilding of Lock 36 began in 1988 and was completed in 1991. The lock was restored as an example of how locks were used to raise and lower boats in the canal.HistoryGaston's Mill was built by Samuel Conkle around 1837, on land that was then part of his father Jacob's farm; the land came into his possession in 1843 after his father's death. Conkle employed the mill with a wide range of grains, including corn, wheat, oats, and buckwheat. In 1849, he sold the mill along with the land and water privileges to James Gaston. The mill is named for Philander Gaston, James Gaston's son, who owned the mill longer than any other owner. The mill was water powered until Gaston sold it in 1886. Subsequently, the source of power changed to steam and then to gasoline. The mill was in operation until World War I. At its peak, the mill produced nearly 200 pounds of flour per day.