As leaves of amber, chocolate, and sunshine brush by windshields of cars driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, just north of Surry COunty, a familiar friend springs into view. At milepost 176 on the parkway the ever-majestic Mabry Mill stands as a constant reminder of the past and future.
The site today has changed from the once bustling community center to the most photographed site on the Parkway. Back then, people from the surrounding community, or “country” as it was called, visited the Mabry’s homestead for mill, blacksmith, and sawmill services. Today, visitors can learn about mill operations, basket weaving, and everyday life in the mountains.
While at the time, many local folks were unsettled about the Parkway passing through town, it is without a doubt the reason the Mill stands today.
Edwin Boston Mabry married Mintoria Elizabeth DeHart on March 1, 1891, both at the age of 24. The couple, who were fondly referred to as “Uncle Ed” and “Aunt Lizzie,” started their lives farming in Virginia, but soon found that Ed’s passion was not in farming but in inventing. It is here that the couple decided to save up money to open and operate a sawmill.
After spending some time in West Virginia learning to blacksmith, the Mabry’s moved home and embarked on their dream. From 1905-1914, five different parcels of land were purchased. The first building to go up was the blacksmith shop, and by 1910 the water-powered mill was up with an extensive flume system underway.
Ed used local resources when setting up shop. One Mount Airy iron works supplied the cast iron gears for the mill; Millstones came from the Brushy Mountain Quarry. The sawmill and carpentry shop were the last enterprises to be added. Sometime after the 1920s, the Mabry’s built a two-story, white farmhouse. This home had room for guests to visit even though the Mabry’s mainly used the bottom floor.
Until the 1930s, families from the surrounding towns and counties came to Ed and Lizzie for their needs. The shops could cut timber, create tools, grind corn to make meal or chop and more. All of these tasks were completed by either Ed or Lizzie. When Ed’s health began to wane, Lizzie began to take on her tasks, as well as Ed’s. Not long after the mill was closed and fell into disrepair, Ed passed at 69 years old. Lizzie remained in the home for a few more years, eventually moving to live with her sister. By this time the Blue Ridge Parkway Landscape Architects were eyeing the area as a major stop along the new roads path.
The “Scenic,” as it was originally called, was the first Parkway of its kind. With 469 miles between two states, it was set to showcase the best and beautiful of Rural Appalachia. To make way for the many sites along its path buildings were moved, repaired, and destroyed, and the Mill site was no different. The Mabry’s two-story home was removed, despite disapproval from the then Parkway historian. It was replaced with the Mathew’s Cabin from Galax, Virginia.
During the tourist season, visitors flock to the buzzing restaurant and interpretive site. Whether it’s for the buckwheat pancakes or the rangers demonstrating historic crafts, the history lives on, as does the legacy of Ed and Lizzie Mabry.
Emily Morgan is the guest services manager at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. She and her family live in Westfield. She can be reached at eamorgan@northcarolinamuseum.org or by calling 336-786-4478 x229
Source: https://www.mtairynews.com
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