The Cable grist mill in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. August 27, 2010.
This is my post for the My World meme. It is hosted by Klaus, Ivar, Sandy, Wren, and Fishing Guy. To learn more about our world or to join and share your part of the world, click HERE.
When we visited Cades Cove in the Smokies a couple of weeks ago, we stopped at the Cable Mill area in the southwest corner of the cove. Although there are several buildings (and a visitor center) here, it was the mill that most interested us.
John F. Cable bought land in the cove in the late 1860s and built a water-powered grist mill and sawmill in about 1870. The same wheel provided power for both mills. The sawmill no longer exists, but the restored grist mill still grinds away. It’s possible to see corn being ground most days, but we couldn’t get a decent picture of the inside of the mill.
Cable Mill water wheel, Cades Cove, Tennessee. August 27, 2010.
The docent in the mill said that a water wheel lasts for about 25 years and then needs to be replaced. She wasn’t sure how old the current wheel is.
The Cable Mill flume, Cades Cove, Tennessee. August 27, 2010.
The mill flume is quite long, but does a good job of holding the water as it makes its way from the mill pond to the water wheel. The flume also holds quite a few coins, as you may be able to see if you enlarge the picture.
Senior Moments 
September 7, 2010 at 7:31 am |
Some new information here, for me, at least. I had never thought to ask whether water wheels wore out…
September 7, 2010 at 7:39 am |
I think mill’s like this are so interesting. I would love to see one in action.
September 7, 2010 at 8:14 am |
These are lovely photos and I think it’s cute that folks throw coins into the flume!
September 7, 2010 at 8:51 am |
What a terrific post, George! I love the old mill! I’d never thought about them wearing out, but of course, they would over time. Really enjoyed the history you included and your photos are great. Hope your week is going well!
Sylvia
September 7, 2010 at 8:53 am |
This is really interesting. Always neat to learn about the old days and how they did things. I love seeing mill wheels. Getting to see one work is neat, too.
September 7, 2010 at 10:20 am |
What a great sight to see and learn about. Thanks George!
September 7, 2010 at 10:28 am |
What a fascinating place to visit. Thanks for sharing these images.
Blessings,Ruth
September 7, 2010 at 10:51 am |
Wonderful historical place. It is god to see this mill being restored fpr the today’s generations.
September 7, 2010 at 12:59 pm |
I always love mills…love to see them working. I like your photos.
September 7, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
Good pictures. I never even thought about those wheels wearing down!
September 7, 2010 at 1:22 pm |
Old mills are fascinating and you have taken some great pictures. I did see the coins. Hopefully their wishes will come true.
September 7, 2010 at 1:34 pm |
Great post. I haven’t seen a mill up close. They are very interesting.
September 7, 2010 at 2:41 pm |
Another wonderful post & something new learned. I love watching the water wheel & yes, I can see the coins in the water. Hope those wishes came true. 🙂
September 7, 2010 at 5:00 pm |
George: Cool post, we had a grist mill along the Slippery Rock river in PA near where I grew up.
September 7, 2010 at 5:17 pm |
I enjoyed seeing and reading about the old grist mill. George.
Its a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to live in these modern times.
Thanks for sharing this part of your journey to Cades Cove.
September 7, 2010 at 5:46 pm |
What a nicely restored mill. Very intriguing.
September 7, 2010 at 7:28 pm |
George I haven’t ever gotten to see a Mill before. Great shots. Hope all is going well with you and Betsy. =)
September 7, 2010 at 7:53 pm |
I like touring mills — thanks for sharing. Why is it that when we see ponds and fountains we automatically want to throw money in?? I wished I had realized this a few years ago as we wouldn’t have had to take loans out to put our kids through college!!
September 7, 2010 at 10:04 pm |
I took my Mom and Dad here years ago. At that time you could actually buy a bag of corn meal. I don’t know if they do that anymore. I remember I even bought empty bags for decoration.
September 8, 2010 at 11:01 pm |
Those are wonderful pictures of the mill – learned a bunch of new things today. I would be fascinated to see this in real life not just on pics. Thanks!!