These millstones were used at this mill from the time it opened in 1847 until 1890, when roller mills replaced them. They are one set, or run, of stones made up of a bottom stationary bedstone and a top rotating runner, and three run of stones operated at the same time at Wolcott Mill. Made from many pieces brought from France and fitted together with an outside iron band, French Buhr stones were considered the best type for grinding grain. As use gradually wore the stones down, they required periodic dressing, which involved separating them, leveling the grinding surfaces, and chiseling in radiating grooves called furrows. These furrows helped grind by shearing off husks, directing the product to the outer edge, and allowing air movement for cooling.