The Yadkin Valley Mill (aka John's Mill)

Twenty years ago, my friend John decided he wanted to buy an old grist mill that had fallen into disrepair. Entropy has laid it's patient hand on the property, and the wooden structures were on the brink of being lost utterly.

Fortunately, John was an accomplished violinist, and as such had the necessary manual dexterity that the job would require of him. More accurately, and importantly, he had vision - and the unique wherewithal necessary to maintain that vision over a 20-year period. He now lives in the 1885 Millhouse which he restored, overlooking the fully functional Mill and within in sight of the nearby salt and pepper-style barn. On the property John has cultivated fruit trees, splendid "British-style" flower gardens, a vegetable garden that keeps him in fresh produce year-round, and a hilltop throng of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry bushes. When he announced his plan to buy the property 20 years back, people thought it was a crazy idea.

Personally I consider this vision rare and truly inspiring.

Tomorrow John and I will be going to The Yadkin Valley Historical Conference to set up an information kiosk of sorts. I designed a glossy information flyer about The Mill and posted a Pictorial Blog tracing the development of The Mill from its earliest days until the present. John will also be bringing bags of freshly milled corn flour and the recipe for the best-tasting cornbread I have ever had! I have been pursuing an ad hoc apprenticeship in operating the gristmill thanks to John's instruction and hearty encouragement.

The Picture Blog: www.yadkinvalleymill.blogspot.com