Brown Mill/Bank of Bennington

Samuel Hinman Brown built this stone mill in the mid-1840s, which he operated as an iron foundry. Although more expensive, stone was less susceptible to fires, a constant danger in manufacturing. In 1855 he added a grist mill on one side of the building, processing locally grown corn, wheat, and other grains. In 1867, Henry Putnam purchased the mill. His home was located less than one block away on the west side of North Street. 

The building was later converted into a gas station and was used as a taxi depot. The first floor would eventually become Harry Eastman’s garage, while the two upstairs levels were used for storage. In 1977, the old mill was renovated and converted into a branch office for the Rutland Savings Bank. Today, the mill is home to offices for the Bank of Bennington.