Kentucky Chapter Dr. Fred Coy and his wife Emily hosted the Kentucky chapter’s Fall Meeting at the Bristol Bar & Grille in Prospect, Kentucky. After luncheon, Dr. Coy gave a Powerpoint presentation that explained the history of Wolf Pen Branch Mill (KY-056-001), scheduled for a visit later in the day. He noted that the first mill on the site may have been built by William Postlewaite who owned the property in 1813. The original deed refers to the property as the “Postlewaite or Jacob Trace Mill.” Postlewaite probably built the dam. He was succeeded by Thomas N. Postlewaite (1844) and a sawmill appeared circa 1853. J. P. Pilcher became the next owner in 1862. Herman “Butterbean” Miller built the present stone mill in the 1880s. He was succeeded by his son, Henry. Later, the mill shut down and became a haven for local moonshiners. Indeed, prohibition agents once raided the mill and destroyed 65 barrels of mash, according to a neighbor. No one was caught on the premises but another raid soon afterward yielded a like result. Thereafter, for about six months, revenue agents made weekly visits to the old mill. In 1925, Mrs. Robin Cooper,daughter of the former L&N Railroad president Milton Smith, purchased the property, restored the mill, and put it back into operation. The rock dam, which Mrs. Cooper repaired and put into use again, appeared to have acquired the discoloration of at least a century. Following her death, the mill again ceased operation but continued to be an attractive and photographic location. In 1980, Sallie Bingham bought the mill tract and, in 1999, she donated it under a conservation easement to River Field and the Kentucky Heritage Council. Gregg Popham, representing the Peterson and Popham, gave a presentation about the role of property managers of this historic site; followed by David French, a landscape architect for River Fields, who discussed possible restoration and other issues; and Charles Hockensmith, an archaeologist representing the Kentucky Heritage Council, who discussed the Council’s interests in preserving the old mill. Following these presentations, the group headed off to wander inside and outside the mill. Members of the Kentucky chapter of SPOOM will gather onMembers of the Kentucky chapter of SPOOM will gather on May 11-12, 2007, for their annual “Grist Mill and Old Engine Weekend.” Held at the Red River Museum in Clay City, Kentucky, this event has proved to be an effective way of gathering the group in one place to celebrate the rich milling history of Kentucky and to discuss KOMA business. Local artisans demonstrate their expertise, while the Red River Historical Society provides an ample supply of food. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, contact the Red River Museum at (606)663-0696. |