Ben‘s Mill (1981)

About the Film

Ben Thresher's mill is one of the few water-powered, wood-working mills left in this country. Operating in rural Vermont since 1848, the mill is a unique link between the age of craft and the age of modern industry. In this excerpt, Ben uses his machines and finely crafted tools to turn out a horsedrawn sled for his neighbors in the farming community. The film evokes the quality of rural New England life, and at the same time provides a close, step-by-step view of Ben's woodworking processes. The complete one hour film can be ordered from Documentary Educational Resources.

Awards

  • Academy Award Nominee

Licensing

For licensing, film rights and permissions, contact Michel Chalufour, John Karol, the distributor Documentary Educational Resources, or Folkstreams.

Film Details

  • Film by: Michel Chalufour, John Karol
  • Produced by: Michael Ambrosino
  • Cinematographer: John Karol
  • Sound: Michel Chalufour
  • Editor: Michel Chalufour and John Karol
  • Other Credits: Advisors for the Vermont Folklife Project of the Woodstock Foundation were Scott Hastings and Geraldine Ames. Narrated by William Eddy.
  • Funding: Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Polaroid.
  • Original Format: Film: 16mm
  • © 1981, Public Broadcasting Associates, Inc.
  • 26mins, Color
  • Categories:
    Arts & Crafts, Traditional Work Regional Cultures

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