Another attraction near the KOA is Mingus Mill (Ed captured this
slightly out of focus picture). Located just a short distance
past the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the Mingus Mill. The
current mill built in 1886 by Sion Early, a millwright from VA, for
$600, actually replaced a worn out mill powered by a waterwheel, built
in the 1790's by the Mingus family, who owned it until in the 1930's
when the National Park acquired it. It was a "custom mill"
catering to each customers personal preference. Parts of this
mill were replaced in 1937, and again in 1968, as wooden parts that get
wet then dry then wet again are subject to rot.. Sion's initials
(STE) are cut into the front gable just under the eaves. Mingus
Mill was skillfully built primarily out of Yellow Poplar, and some of
his bonus "touches" included chamfered posts, meticulously trimmed,
etc., and if you look close you will see the doors, sills, and other
structure still functional and preserved, even with a hundred years of
vibrations caused by the turbine / mill stones. Many mills used
a "Dutch Door" which not only allowed fresh air and natural light in,
but also, when closed, kept out children, dogs, etc. The door
leading to the upstairs loft separated the wholesale operations of the
mill, along with facilitating easy loading of sacks onto wagons.
What you won't see is a traditional waterwheel. This mill is
powered by a turbine manufactured by James Leffel and company, which
builds turbines from home size to huge hydroelectric plant sizes.
This turbine operates by water moving through its vanes, developing
eleven horsepower at 400 RPM, rotating a vertical shaft that powers all
the machinery in the mill. Along with taking less space than a
water wheel, it requires lower maintenance, and is less expensive.
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