The Old Mill by tennesseecowgirl

Photography • Historical • posted on May 08, 2010

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Description

This was taken in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. History: In the early 1800's, a water-powered gristmill on the banks of the Little Pigeon River became one of the main hubs of activity in the small mountain community of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In those days, the mill faithfully produced the meals and flours that were crucial for the day-to-day existence of the Smokies' early settlers. In fact, The Old Mill even furnished electricity for the town until 1935. One of The Old Mill's most distinctive features is the giant water wheel that harnesses the flow of the Little Pigeon River. Inside the structure, an antiquated yet reliable system of shafts, belts, and pulleys still gets the job done, working to turn the 4600-pound stones and grain elevators. Weighing one ton each, the massive flint granite stones, called French Buhrs, are only the second set ever used in The Old Mill's 175-year history. When they're in action, the stones convert grain into about 1000 pounds of product each day, six days a week. Resident millers then hand-fill, weigh and tie each bag of stone ground grain. Products ground at The Old Mill are used in many of the dishes at the Old Mill Restaurant including biscuits, corn bread, pancakes, hush puppies, muffins and grits. We also use our own grains for the homemade artisan style breads that are prepared each day at The Old Mill Pottery House CafÃ© & Grille. The area's heritage is also being preserved through a variety of crafts that are practiced at the nearby shops of the Old Mill Square. Our Pigeon River Pottery has been home to pottery making for over forty years, and the best of time-tested recipes are prepared by our confectioners (with decades of experience among them) in the Old Mill Candy Kitchen. The entire Square is a working tribute to the Smokies' pioneer days. Today, The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and just as in the 19th century, it's still one of the most popular places in the Smokies and one of the most photographed mills in the country. My daughter Jenna and her boyfriend Chris, are driving up tonight from Georgia, he just got back a bit ago from Haiti he is in the Air Force and his troop was sent there to give aid to the people there, I am looking forward to seeing them both and spending mothers day with them, I hope you all have a great mothers day and weekend. And thanks to you all for your comments to Raskel's photo she is all smiles now.. lol

Raskel

Comments (121)

frankie96

11:56AM | Tue, 11 May 2010

A lot of history and a wonderful image..good luck in the showing..

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CarolSassy

1:29PM | Tue, 11 May 2010

Lovely view! Excellent shot! (:

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Richardphotos

2:56PM | Tue, 11 May 2010

I wish you the best of luck.this is an outstanding shot

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jeroni

5:02PM | Tue, 11 May 2010

Splendid composition and colors my friend

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Grizabella

5:13PM | Tue, 11 May 2010

Very beautiful shot!

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SyberianFrost

5:59PM | Tue, 11 May 2010

Wonderful photo

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jocko500

9:32PM | Tue, 11 May 2010

good luck on the show. this is wonderful

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beatoangelico

5:36AM | Wed, 12 May 2010

WOW! Thats Great Work..!!Bravo..!!!

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knupps

7:02AM | Wed, 12 May 2010

What a beautiful shot and look at those vivid colours. That looks amazing. Sorry I have not been around much latly, due to heavy workload.

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wild_child

9:32AM | Wed, 12 May 2010

Awesome shot! Nice reflections!

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Campo-Diaz

11:29AM | Wed, 12 May 2010

Awesome work.

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lyron

2:11PM | Wed, 12 May 2010

Excellent image!!!

Enlightened

4:58PM | Wed, 12 May 2010

beautiful photo and rich colours. The food sounds delicious too :)

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smittan

4:50AM | Thu, 13 May 2010

Nice Shot !!

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JaneEden

10:04AM | Thu, 13 May 2010

Always a joy to visit your gallery which holds so many interesting features, and simply draws the onlooker right into the scene you put before our eyes. Superb photography and intro my dear friend. Good luck for the upcoming show!!! hugs Jane xx

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