Construction to replace and preserve the shake roof of Mabry Mill for future generations is currently underway.
The renovation, which started earlier this month, is expected to be completed in July.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Communications Director Rita Larkin said the organization is contributing more than $100,000 for the project.
“Any other costs are being addressed by the National Park Service,” she said.
According to a June 3 release, scaffolding will surround the mill and limit access to the building’s interior during the renovation project. Park visitors will still be able to explore the adjacent turn-of-the-century structures and trails.
“This roof replacement project required extensive planning to ensure historical accuracy. This initiative is being undertaken with the assistance of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC). The HPTC will install hand-riven white oak shakes crafted by Cumberland Mountain Craftsman based in Harrogate, Tenn. This vendor was carefully selected for its attention to detail and ability to create the 6,000 authentic shakes required,” the release stated.
Foundation Vice-President of Engagement Kevin Brandt said the organization’s community of stewards has a long-standing commitment to preserving Mabry Mill.
There are a number of critical needs at this historic site, which can be addressed by leveraging donor support in conjunction with our partnership with the National Park Service. We look forward to continuing to support the preservation of this treasured site,” he said.
Previous Mill projects include rebuilding its waterwheel and wooden flume.
While the Foundation doesn’t have a set list of planned projects for the Mill, Larkin said the group will continue to raise funds for keeping it open to the public and an educational area for visitors.
“We just work closely with” the National Park Service “and figure out what steps they want to take next. The first step was the roof, and now we’ll work with them on whatever they feel like is the next best way to preserve the Mill,” she said.
Larkin said the Foundation also has the Rocky Knob Cabins on its radar for needing repairs, but doesn’t have any plans for it at the moment.
Larkin doesn’t believe the Park Service has anyone planned to lease the Mill’s restaurant this year. The restaurant was last operated about two years ago.
“They do have a gift shop in there operated by America’s National Parks,” she said.
Over the summer, the Blue Ridge Music Center will host free Milepost Music concerts at the mill on the first and third Sundays of each month from 2-4 p.m. through September.
The June 15 concert will feature Carrie Hinkley and Virginia Hollow.
Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Adcock said she’s hopeful the renovations will have a positive impact as they’re going to spruce up the mill.
In addition to the roof repairs, Adcock said renovations will be done to pillars inside the building and planks along the water wheel side. The park service will also potentially backwash the flume to make it function better and dredge the pond.
“Once they get done with Mabry Mill, they are moving down to Puckett’s Cabin to restore it,” she said.
Adcock believes more people will visit the area to see the work being done.
“It’s the same thing with the road. A lot of people are upset with the (U.S.) 58 expansion, but it also has driven a little bit of tourism cause people are interested to see the progress and the scope of the work. I think it holds true for the parkway service as well and projects going on with the Mill. So, we anticipate some increase in traffic there and then at the Puckett’s Cabin when things are restored,” she said.
Felecia Shelor, owner of the Poor Farmers’ Market in Meadows of Dan, said the work to repair the mill will have a beneficial impact on the community as a whole.
“We’re really happy to see this, and relieved. If Mabry Mill had not been maintained and restored and repaired it would not be complete devastation, but extremely devastating to Meadows of Dan,” she said.
During the peak season, Shelor estimates the mill attracts about 500-1,000 visitors daily.
“It’s just the main tourist attraction here in Meadows of Dan. It’s a huge impact, so we’re really grateful that the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has chosen to invest in it,” she said.
However, because the mill is made of wood, Shelor said it’s going to need more repairs in the future.
“It’s not like a one-time fix on any of these things. It has to be a consistent, federally managed effort to keep it all maintained well, and that’s where something has gone wrong in the last 15 years,” she said.
Before the late 15 years, Shelor said maintenance to the mill and the parkway was great. She added the road sides were mowed, the overlooks were pristine, and campgrounds, picnic areas, historic places, and rail fences were maintained.
“Now, it’s not nearly maintained well enough, and that can’t fall to the fundraising organization, which is generously helping restore the roof on Mabry Mill. This is a federal government problem…because the federal government owns the property,” she said.
