The Old Mill in Mountain View, Arkansas, at 308 N. Main Street, dates back to 1914, but was not water-powered.

Located on Main Street, two blocks fronnm the Courthouse Square, it retains most, if not all, of it's original equipment and can be operated for demonstration purposes. The milling times are posted on the doorjam.

The mill houses a small museum and gift shop; and although no admission is charged, donations are accepted to keep the mill open for tours.

Samuel Ernest Riley came to Mountain View in 1932 looking for work. He had worked prior to this in Little Rock in his father's second jewelry store; but the store closed due to the depression.

He bought the Old Mill, which happened to be for sale, from John F. Brewer. Frank Poff helped Sam get the mill back into operating condition and soon the mill was running from battery power, charged by a generator.

Sam sold both bleached and unbleached flour after installing a bleaching machine. Sam also did some watch and clock repair upstairs, something he know about when he worked for his father. He also did welding out of the back door under a little leanto.

Some old one cylinder gasoline engines on the back deck. Read more about the Rileys and the Old Mill at the website-click "Website" above the top photo.

*Update: On Fri. and Sat. night the people come out of the mountains with their instruments and get together in small groups of 3 -7 people and play their instruments and sing songs. Some of the instruments are home made, like the base made out of a wash tub and rope. There may be 6 or 7 groups spread around the grounds. When a musician gets tired of playing with one group, he will go to another. Sometimes some of the younger kids Will do some clogging to the music. Quite an enjoyable time. Bob Kinsey 10/29/2010*