Original Millstone from the Washburn-Crosby Flour Mill

Local businessmen Cadwallader C. Washburn and William D. Washburn played a pivotal role in Minneapolis’ flour-milling industry, and their last name remains a household word around town—and at the library. If you go outside to the northeast corner of the building, you’ll find a more tangible reminder of their influence: a cast bronze flour millstone anchored in the earth. This original millstone was used to grind wheat for the Washburn-Crosby Company, which would one day become General Mills, leaving a lasting mark on the Twin Cities.

Donated by General Mills