These are the Hemp-Mill stones from the Landis Valley Farm Museum. They were used to break the outer bark from the hemp so that the inner or bast fiber could be removed. Some of the mills were water driven...and were also used to crush flax and hemp seed for oil, as well as apples for cider. I have posted a slide show of the field trip that I took last week...there are many photos of spinning wheels and other equipment. The photos were taken at the Landis Valley Farm Museum and some were taken at The Mannings Handweaving School and Supply Center.
