A Versatile Mill
In the gristmill [1] the customer poured shelled corn into the hopper on top. Large, carefully-grooved millstones, separated by fractions of an inch, sheared the kernels. The miller checked the texture of the meal as it entered the bin and could adjust the distance between the millstones if necessary. A second set of millstones would grind "chop," a coarser product used for livestock feed. Customers paid a toll of 12˝ cents a bushel or one-eighth of their total meal.
Unlike many of his competitors, Mabry did not have a bolter, which separates the finer meal. He also did not grind wheat or other grains.
In rainy weather, when the water supply to the mill increased, Mabry operated his sawmill [2]. A sliding carriage transported logs of oak, chestnut, and other species past a circular saw. Like the gristmill, the saw was powered by belts and shafts connected to the water wheel.
In the woodworking shop [3] Mabry used his jigsaw and other tools to perform custom work and to cut spokes and wooden rims to make wagon wheels.
Erected by
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Blue Ridge Parkway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 36° 45.055′ N, 80° 24.362′ W. Marker is near Meadows of Dan, Virginia, in Floyd County. Marker can be reached from Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 176.2), 0.2 miles south of Mabry Mill Road SE (Virginia Route 603), on the left when traveling south. Marker and mill are located along the Mabry Mill interpretive trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 266 Mabry Mill Road SE, Meadows of Dan VA 24120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mill Stones (a few steps from this marker); Lumber Drying Rack (a few steps from this marker); Challenges (a few steps from this marker); Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Homemade Soap Recipe (within shouting distance of this marker); Appalachian Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Mabry Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Bark Mill (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Meadows of Dan.
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Also see . . . Mabry Mill. The sights and sounds of Rural Appalachia fill the air at Mabry Mill during summer and fall. Ed Mabry built the mill where he and his wife Lizzy ground corn, sawed lumber, and did blacksmithing for three decades. The old mill, cultural demonstrations, and a decades-long tradition of Sunday afternoon music and dancing continue to draw visitors today. (Submitted on June 3, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
