This water powered mill on the Stevens River was built in 1872 by Alexander Jack. It originally housed a patented woolen print and dye works. In 1893, James Judkins retooled it as a wagon and woodworking shop. Judkin's shop was later run by sons Fenton and Don, who added a cider press and blacksmith shop. From 1901 to 1915 the Mill provided the only source of electricity for Barnet. After siz years of apprenticing for Fenton Judkins, Ben Thresher purchased the mill in 1947. Ben's Mill offered equipment repair and production needs of local farmers. Thresher demonstrated his exceptional skills in an 1981 PBS Odyssey production. He operated the Mill until 1994, preserving a working industrial monument to the ingenuity and skill of Vermont craftsman.
The above is what's on the historical marker sign by the mill. I saw that video on TV at the time, and was entranced. Later, after moving to Vermont, I realized how close it was and joined as a volunteer. The mill as it is today survives thanks to Hiram Allen, who purchased it in 2000 and created a trust that now runs it as a museum. During the summer it's open weekends 11-3, and volunteers can demonstrate some of the machinery and the blacksmith shop.
The cache is a preform hanging in an iron bracket that I forged (not well...) in the blacksmith shop.