When former Governor & Milton native James Pollock was about 15 years old, he carved a stone that was used in his brother Flemming Pollock's Mt Pleasant Distillery building. The stone is dated 1825.
When the building was torn down, in 1902, it was part of the Car Works. The stone was saved, and incorporated into a new building at the location, today the grounds of the former ACF.
Update - when the buildings at AC&F were up for sale, I contacted Milton Historian George Venios to ask if steps were being taken to preserve this stone. He said yes. Several locals visited the building when the area was open to the public, and photographed the stone. In 2023, the stone has, sadly, been painted over.
The Miltonian, October 31 1902
"Pollock's [distillery] was built of Red Hill stone on the east side of the canal above Upper Market street, and was subsequently incorporated in a building of the Milton Car Works. " The building was torn down in 1902, but the stone with the carving was saved and put into the new building.
The photo of the carved stone was shared with me a few years back, along with several scans of old postcards. Until recently, I had no idea what this photo was. While researching the history of ACF this past month, I came across a blurb about it in the book Chronicles & Legends of Milton, by George Venios. Without his research, this photo would still be a mystery to me!
On The Maps:
A clipping from the 1847 Sketch Of Milton by John Heyl Raser
The buildings behind the canal boat here were the Pollock buildings, but I do not think the stone distillery is shown. The building to the left, before the bridge, was the McCleery Sawmill. The foundry is catty corner from the sawmill, you can see the stack for it.
This entire area later became the Murray Dougal Car Works, and is today where the ACF buildings stand.
Clipping from the 1883 Map of Milton
The buildings behind the canal boat here were the Pollock buildings, but I do not think the stone distillery is shown. The building to the left, before the bridge, was the McCleery Sawmill. The foundry is catty corner from the sawmill, you can see the stack for it.
This entire area later became the Murray Dougal Car Works, and is today where the ACF buildings stand.
Showing the Car Works (20)
Now here's a clipping from the 1884 Sanborn Fire Map
Stone buildings are designated in Blue on Sanborn Maps
I've flipped it upside down, so it is the same orientation as the 1883 map above
Now here's a clipping from the 1884 Sanborn Fire Map
Stone buildings are designated in Blue on Sanborn Maps
I've flipped it upside down, so it is the same orientation as the 1883 map above
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The book “Milton, Pennsylvania, the 19th Century Town on Limestone Run” by Homer F. Folk – Milton, 1847 MAY have more information on this stone. Unfortunately, I do not currently have access to a copy.
The Miltonian, Oct 24 1902
According To Bell's History, Milton had Seven Distilleries
Five Distinct Distilling Establishments were in operation at Milton within
a few years after the founding of the town. Moses and Samuel Teas, either
in partnership or individually, had two, one of which was situated on Elm
street at the south side of Limestone run, and the other on the opposite side
of that stream a little farther south. John McKisson's distillery occupied
the southwest corner of the grounds of Shimer & Sons' machine shops, and
drew its water supply from Eckert's mill race. John Sweney's was situated
at the present site of the Milton Steam Tannery. These were all log or
frame structures. John A. Schneider's, on the north side of Limestone run
near the alley that extends from Center to Mahoning street, was a brick struct-
ure of some pretensions, and in its arrangements and appliances was much
more commodious than the others. These five distilleries were the earliest
established, and were in operation many years. Two others were subsequently
added, those of Fleming W. Pollock and John Davidson. Pollock's was
built of Red Hill stone on the east side of the canal above Upper Market
street, and was subsequently incorporated in a building of the Milton Car
Works. Davidson's was on the east side of the canal at the extremity of
Lower Market street. There was also a brewery, a large brick building on
Mahoning street erected by William Nice and burned in the fire of 1880.
- Bell's History Of Northumberland County
a few years after the founding of the town. Moses and Samuel Teas, either
in partnership or individually, had two, one of which was situated on Elm
street at the south side of Limestone run, and the other on the opposite side
of that stream a little farther south. John McKisson's distillery occupied
the southwest corner of the grounds of Shimer & Sons' machine shops, and
drew its water supply from Eckert's mill race. John Sweney's was situated
at the present site of the Milton Steam Tannery. These were all log or
frame structures. John A. Schneider's, on the north side of Limestone run
near the alley that extends from Center to Mahoning street, was a brick struct-
ure of some pretensions, and in its arrangements and appliances was much
more commodious than the others. These five distilleries were the earliest
established, and were in operation many years. Two others were subsequently
added, those of Fleming W. Pollock and John Davidson. Pollock's was
built of Red Hill stone on the east side of the canal above Upper Market
street, and was subsequently incorporated in a building of the Milton Car
Works. Davidson's was on the east side of the canal at the extremity of
Lower Market street. There was also a brewery, a large brick building on
Mahoning street erected by William Nice and burned in the fire of 1880.
- Bell's History Of Northumberland County
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