Kenyon s Grist Mill

Our building is nestled along the banks of the Queen's River in the village of Usquepaugh.  We are the oldest manufacturing business in Rhode Island, and the second oldest continuously operating business in the state.  Although our current building dates back to 1886, we've been grinding meals & flours continuously on site since 1696.  For more history, click here. In the old days, farmers would bring their corn - or grist - to be ground.  The miller usually received a portion of the meal as payment.  C.D. Kenyon, who purchased the mill in 1909, saw the potential for selling the ground meal.  He began to brand it in sacks with the Kenyon name and made it available to everyone.  The grain was transported as far away as Providence by horse and buggy, and delivered to various markets throughout the state.  In 1916, the company bought a Model T truck, which made deliveries easier.  This made it possible to satisfy the growing demand for Johnny Cake Meal, which then extended to the entire state of Rhode Island, and parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts.