Over a year and a half ago, the Nassau County legislature approved a $2.65 million bond act to be used for renovation of the Roslyn Grist Mill, one of the village's oldest historical buildings, and one in most dire need of repairs.

Since then, some work has taken place, but major renovation hasn't occurred since workers on the project have not yet seen the money allocated by the legislature. Nassau County officials working on the renovation have only noted the county's recent fiscal problems as a possible reason the money has not been released.

Officials have also noted that the renovation process has received a $50,000 state grant secured by the offices of State Senator Michael Balboni. Nassau County Executive Thomas S. Gulotta is also pushing for an additional $151,000 in grant money from the county.

In the meantime, supporters of the renovation plan to lobby Craig Johnson, the Nassau County legislator, who represents most of the Roslyn area. Mr. Johnson's late mother, Barbara Johnson, was a driving force behind the bond act during her own time on the legislature.

According to Mayor Janet Galante, the bond act money does not come to the village directly. Proposals have been made and contracts signed for building firms to work on the Grist Mill. Still, the building is owned by Nassau County and county officials will decide when and how the money is spent, the mayor added. Her job, she said, is simply to make sure the project "stays alive." The $2.65 million is currently on the county's capital project list. Mayor Galante expressed satisfaction that the project is "moving along" toward its eventual completion.

The grant secured by Balboni's office is currently being used for work on the Grist Mill's milling machinery, its grinding stones and other woodworking projects on both the interior and exterior parts of the building.

When the then-Republican majority legislature approved the bond act in the fall of 1998, that marked a long lobbying process in itself. In March, 1997, a research scientist from Columbia University told members of the Roslyn Landmark Society that time was running out for any effective renovation of the structure. The wood from the Grist Mill, Dr. Gordon Jacoby said, was "born" in 1680. Its condition, not surprisingly, was deteriorating, making any renovation work an urgent proposition.

The bond act was endorsed by Gulotta. Meanwhile, a newly-formed Grist Mill Committee organized their own fund-raising activities, including an auction at the George Washington Manor that featured contributions by such corporate heavyweights as The New York Times, NBC, and Loews/Sony Theatres and local businesses, including Giordano Cafe, Friend of A Farmer, Diane's Restaurant, and Roslyn Deli.

While the Grist Mill may not be as famous as the Clock Tower, it has its own long and colorful history. Many middle-aged Long Islanders remember it as the locale for a popular Tea House, which attracted both common citizens and movie stars.

The mill's first owner was John Robinson, who built the structure around 1701. In 1758, the mill was purchased by Heinrich Onderdonk, scion of a prominent Hempstead family. Onderdonk family members served as spies against the British during the Revolutionary War. After the war, General George Washington visited the family house in Roslyn while on his victory tour of the Island. Today, the house is the George Washington Manor.

The mill operated for the benefit of Long Island farmers up until 1916. Three years later, under the directorship of Alice Titus, the mill was converted in a Tea House. The facility was popular among young families as well as literary people and actors and artists. The Roslyn author, Christopher Morley was a frequent guest as were such well-known actors as Raymond Massey and Leslie Howard.