John Cable Grist Mill
Blount Co. | Tennessee | USA | Early 1870's
Township: u/k
Watersource: Mill Creek.

Official Website | Directions


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - This mill was built by John P. Cable in 1867. The water wheel is 11 feet high and 5 feet wide. The mill is a two-story building consisting of an 18' X 20' foot room divided in two: an open space at ground level where customers waited with their grain and a raised platform holding the mill equipment.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
This mill was built by John P. Cable in 1867. The water wheel is 11 feet high and 5 feet wide. The mill is a two-story building consisting of an 18' X 20' foot room divided in two: an open space at ground level where customers waited with their grain and a raised platform holding the mill equipment.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - A long flume brings the water to the waterwheel from Mill Creek. Many local farms had tub mills, but these were sufficient only for about a bushel a day. A waterwheel mill greatly enhanced production.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
A long flume brings the water to the waterwheel from Mill Creek. Many local farms had tub mills, but these were sufficient only for about a bushel a day. A waterwheel mill greatly enhanced production.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - The original mill was often operated by millwright, Daniel Ledbetter. John's son, Jim, inherited the mill and continued to run it until about 1920.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
The original mill was often operated by millwright, Daniel Ledbetter. John's son, Jim, inherited the mill and continued to run it until about 1920.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - In the Tennessee hills, millers were also farmers. A beel was placed in the mill so customers could signal the miller that business was imminent. GPS: 83' 50.31W, 35' 35.14N
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
In the Tennessee hills, millers were also farmers. A beel was placed in the mill so customers could signal the miller that business was imminent. GPS: 83' 50.31W, 35' 35.14N


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - The pit wheel is pictured. It is joined to the waterwheel axle on the inside of the mill; while, the waterwheel is located on the outside of the mill wall. The gears are housed in an unfinished basement.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
The pit wheel is pictured. It is joined to the waterwheel axle on the inside of the mill; while, the waterwheel is located on the outside of the mill wall. The gears are housed in an unfinished basement.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - The mill is powered through a series of six gears. The gears were made of apple wood. Today 5 of the gears are made of metal.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
The mill is powered through a series of six gears. The gears were made of apple wood. Today 5 of the gears are made of metal.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - The gears are housed in an unfinished basement. There were 2 run of stone; one for wheat and one for corn. Only the corn stones remain. Corn was a basic to pioneer life in America. Able to grow with little work required, often in poor soil, it was used to make hominy, mush, bread, grits, and fermented beverage after being ground at the mill.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
The gears are housed in an unfinished basement. There were 2 run of stone; one for wheat and one for corn. Only the corn stones remain. Corn was a basic to pioneer life in America. Able to grow with little work required, often in poor soil, it was used to make hominy, mush, bread, grits, and fermented beverage after being ground at the mill.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - The hopper assembly is built on top of the stone set shroud. The leasther tether is attached to the vibrating shoe, which allows a certain amout of grain, or corn in this case to trickle out of the hopper down the center hole in the runner stone to be ground between the runner stone and the nether/tsationary stone.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
The hopper assembly is built on top of the stone set shroud. The leasther tether is attached to the vibrating shoe, which allows a certain amout of grain, or corn in this case to trickle out of the hopper down the center hole in the runner stone to be ground between the runner stone and the nether/tsationary stone.


Pictures by: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010 - The mill could produce 150 lbs. of meal per hour. The mill was operated until the 1920's, when it fell into disrepair. It was restored for the NationalPark Service in the 1930's. There also was a small sawmill.
Picture: Robert T. Kinsey 05/2010
The mill could produce 150 lbs. of meal per hour. The mill was operated until the 1920's, when it fell into disrepair. It was restored for the NationalPark Service in the 1930's. There also was a small sawmill.




Standing on the promises, I now can see Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me. "Standing On The Promises" by R. Kelso Carter
From the hymnal - Sing to the Lord

Supply Update Information

 

Directions:
The mill is located on the Cades Cove Loop in the Great Smokey Mountain Nat. Park. Take Old State Hwy 73/E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy east-southeast of Townsand,Tn. for about 3.5 miles. Turn right on Laurel Creek Road and go 11-12 miles to Cades Creek Loop. Follow the one-way loop road to the mill at the far side of the loop, near Forge Creek Road junction. Follow signs.
   
 
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