Benjamin Singleton Junior's Steam Flour Mill:
George Street, Singleton

aka Sand Hills Mill, Sawkins' Mill 

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In 1860, Benjamin Singleton's second son, Benjamin Singleton Junior, began work on a new steam-powered flour mill  in George Street, on the outskirts of Singleton, NSW. It was opened in April 1862.

Flour mills built in Singleton in the 1800s included one watermill and seven steam flour mills

The locations of eight mills built in Singleton township in the 1800s.

Description of the Sand Hills Mill

Key Facts on the Sand Hills Steam Mill at George Street

This mill was in an area known as the 'Sand Hill' or 'Sand Hills', on the western side of George Street, Singleton, near the intersection with Orchard Avenue.

The mill building made of weatherboard and was two storeys high. No precise dimensions for this building have been located so far.

It appears to have had a steam engine of eight horse power and would have had at least one pair of millstones.

A timber two storey steam flour mill at Glen Innes, NSW

No photographs have yet been found of Benjamin Singleton Junior's steam mill at the Sand Hills, George Street. However, based on descriptions of this mill, it may have been similar in appearance to this early steam flour mill at Glen Innes. Image Source: State Library of NSW.

From at least 1865 until 1874, it was leased and operated by Thomas Sawkins and his son, Edwin Benjamin Sawkins (usually called E. B. Sawkins ). During this period, it was known as 'Sawkins' Mill'.

An advertisement about Benjamin Singleton Junior's steam flour mill at the Sand Hills, Singleton

Above: E.B. Sawkins placed this advertisement for his services at the Steam Flour Mill at the Sand Hills, George Street, Singleton, in The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 14 December 1872.

To read the full story of Benjamin Singleton Junior's Steam Flour Mill at the Sand Hills in George Street and other mills established by the Singletons, download our free PDF:

The Singleton Family Flour Mills at Singleton –
The Hidden History.

Singleton Family Flour Mills at Singleton - the hidden history

We would be interested to hear from anyone who has a photograph or further information about this mill. Please contact us.

Researched by Anne and Les Dollin

Further Reading
• Overview of Mills at Singleton • The Kurrajong Mills • The Wisemans Ferry Mills