6 days ago
Blue Ridge Parkway's iconic Mabry Mill being renovated after recent ice storms
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – Mabry Mill, a popular stop for photos in Patrick County, stands on the blue ridge parkway, however, the mill has been closed to the public because of recent ice storms. But now renovations have started.
(Photo Credit: Zoe Mowery)
'It's almost hard to describe how much people love Mabry Mill. The mill is the iconic image of life here in Appalachia,' said Kevin Brandt, the Vice President for Engagement with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.
Mabry Mill was built over a century ago by Ed and Lizzie Mabry, where for three decades the couple ground corn, sawed lumber and did blacksmithing. The tools they used still sit inside the mill, and with these renovations the first step has been to ensure they stay safe, and the renovations stay historically accurate.
(Photo Credit: Zoe Mowery)
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'The second step will be to remove the shakes, the old shakes, and see if everything underneath is in good condition or needs to be repaired. The craftsman from the preservation training center will be able to do that. If they find that once they do, then they will install the new shakes,' said Brandt.
(Photo Credit: Zoe Mowery)
Now, for some folks who may be unfamiliar with the area, a fun fact about Mabry Mill is it's one of the most photographed places on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
That was until an ice storm earlier this year damaged the roof, closing the mill to visitors, but now, the repairs are underway.
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'It's exciting to see a new roof come on and hopefully help revitalize our tourism and we want people to enjoy the parkway and come down and visit and go on into Meadows of Dan and Floyd County and the Town of Floyd, and enjoy the shops and the local communities,' said Rebecca Adcock, the Executive Director for the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.
Local businesses are still recovering from those ice storms. While they are grateful the mill will reopen soon, they say there are other problems that need to be addressed.
(Photo Credit: Zoe Mowery)
'It's devastating to local businesses, that it takes the parkway that long to clean up the road so there's many symptoms to a larger problem. So while we're really grateful for the new roof on Mabry Mill, it's just one of many, many problems,' said Felecia Shelor, the owner of Poor Farmers Market and Concord Corner Store, 'And the answer can't be addressed with donations from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, it's going to have to be a federal government effort.'
Officials with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation say they hope to have the mill back open by the end of June or beginning of July.
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