Stone Ground Grits from Sciples Mill in DeKalb, MS (Photo heavy)

I thought I would share some of the story about this historic landmark in DeKalb, MS. I posted this a few years back and it disappeared in the great photobucket tragedy.

This is Sciple's mill, the oldest continuously operated commercial water mill in the USA (1790 - present day).

This link gives an address and phone number so you can order Cornmeal, grits, fish fry mix, flour or whatever from them. To get your corn ground, you must deliver it to the mill yourself. However they absolutely will grind your grain for you. I think the miller's cut is 1/8, but that might be wrong. There is a photo below that tells what it is - The rate hasn't changed since 1790.

Sciples Mill, operating since 1790





Mill stone is in here



Spare Water Turbine that runs the mill



Mill building beside that brown vehicle. The door is open, so the mill is open.



Spare mill stone



Mr. Sciple - I think the rusted out hole in his pickup door under his elbow is cute.



Mr. Sciple's Son in dark blue t shirt with TV Show "Dirty Jobs" Guy in light blue t shirt



Water gates on Mill pond - water enters mill through that concrete flue chute



The mill also sawed lumber at one time. 4 foot diameter Saw mill blade in in upper right of photo



Some equipment in the past was belt driven on these wheels



Old planting seeder and what looks like a pretty good car jack



Honestly, I think that gear wheel is holding up the building on that corner.



Honor Box and entrance drive to front parking lot



You can order their stuff and have it shipped to you The stone ground grits are special.

Or you can drop by and pick up your order at the honor box outside of the mill











This wheel could use a little love from a wheelwright



Mill pond and water gates.



This is not an outhouse



But they can accommodate your need for relief (Charmin fans should Please note corncobs in middle container)




They carry all sorts of stuff you might need












A little humor



Modern Touches



Need a horse shoe? Hay Fork? Man I loved Grapettes,



Mill Office - See the phone?



Ed (Mr. Sciple) taking a break. As I recall, it was hot that day.



Yep - really real



Corn goes into that funnel at top and mill stone is in the round wooden case. Grits, cornmeal wheat flower, come out the bottom.





Old Mill General Store across road from mill. Now is a "Saturday Night Fever" - happening kind of place - Opry Music Show







If it's not Saturday night, The Opry House is locked up tighter than Bessie's Hat Box



If those Dirt Dobber Nests could talk...



Nice steps up onto the front porch. Been around a while.





I never asked who Eva Grace was, but she must be important. (VIP)



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Last photo - shows Opry Parking Lot