The Watering Hole- In the 1930's a large number of rural homes did not have electricity or running water. Some homes had a spring house. Usually located in the backyard. The spring in the basement provided drinking water and cooling for food. The spring ran into a large, open concrete tank against the back wall of the basement. These are pictures of a spring well for one of these homes.

Lost Dam

Lost Creek Dam

              

Stooksbury Gristmill

Picture taken in 1933

Behind Lost Creek Dam

Believed to be a reservoir to help the flow of water.

Michael explaining his theory how the dam was set up to work.

Top of Lost Creek Dam

Part of a brick found near the dam.

Old road way near Lost Creek Dam

Front of Lost Creek Dam

Horseshoe Island

While exploring, I stumbled on a very old horseshoe. Since the water was low for the season, I believe this could be evidence from the Russell Brothers Farm before the dam was built. My husband and I named the island Horseshoe Island.

Hill Cemetery

In the early 19th century, John Loy established a foundry in the area, taking advantage of the iron ore deposits at the base of Big Ridge. The community that developed around the foundry was known variously as "Loy" and "Loy's Crossroads." When a post office was established in the community in 1866, it took the name "Loy's Cross Roads," but the name was changed to Loyston in 1894.

Wife of John Loy

Another early settler, Robert Stooksbury, moved to the Loyston area around 1800. Several dozen of Stooksbury's descendants were still living in the Loyston area in the early 1930s, some of whom operated one of the community's general store.

The artisan well that can be located when the water is low enough.