This is the 'on' switch. Turn this wheel to drops the gears so it starts.
(I think- I could be wrong on what exactly that does... I'm thinking it lifts the ?gate so water starts flowing over the wheel and the gear has to be dropped manually - haven't had a mill lesson in many many years - it is the on-off, though)
It is a shame that something like that is not running. The signs, the full print sacks and wooden boxes that are labeled are all valuable. Love the craftsman ship. I'd be in there everyday piddling around with that thing. What year is the car tag???
And I thought it had something to do with naughty food or something! Bad idea - you have the good daughter and I have the bad daughter! Gotta wait until your kid graduates and gets herself to college first.[]