Socrates Rand constructed a gristmill in 1851 on his property northeast of modern day Miner Street and River Road to process local grain. It was the only competition for the Jefferson Family mill, built in 1841 a couple of miles south along the Des Plaines River. When the railroad came through the area in 1854, Rand's mill occupied a prime location for farmers transporting commodities to the Chicago market. Around 1895, local physician Dr. Clarence Earle acquired the mill and dismantled its antiquated equipment to make a coach house. The neighboring Held-Helfers family took the millstone for use in their landscaping, and the large stone remained at the property until the History Center acquired it in 1970.