In 1883, Forbes flour mill switched from grinding stones to rollers. Dr. Frank Knowles had one of the big grinding stones hauled by mules to his ranch, where it was cemented into the landing of his back steps. It was eventually chiseled out, and Knowles' neighbor, Lyman Bergtold, preserved it by moving it to his Placer Oaks Ranch. He knew the importance of the mill stone to Los Gatos history, and he imparted that knowledge to his sons, Phillip (left) and Chuck (center). Along with Chuck's son Brian, the Bergtolds restored the stone to the mill in 2005. BGF037
Bergtold Family Collection
