Photo Credit: Friends of the Blue Ridge
As 2025 comes to a close, Friends of Roberson Mill wish to share our restoration progression for the year. As generations before us used to exclaim how quickly each year has gone by, this year has been no exception. While restoration continues at the mill, there have been some challenges as well as accomplishments.
As the year began, our highest level on our to do list entailed creating a parking lot. This required us to remove all dilapidated structures on the site. After a thorough search for salvaging any historical artifacts and other mill related items within each structure; these items are currently on display on the lower level of the mill. We enlisted assistance from Floyd County Fire Department – Station 1 for control burning (at no cost as this exercise went toward training their newest volunteers) and Hylton Land Management, LLC for demolition of these burned structures. Through our partners, Friends of the Blue Ridge, a parking lot was designed at no cost to us, then Clark Gas and Oil volunteered their time and effort to create a parking space as a necessity pertaining to any future events.
Photo Credit: Friends of the Blue Ridge
During the latter part of January, a beautiful porch was added to the mill. This porch adds to the mill both aesthetically and functionally as a stage for musicians and for visitors to relax and fellowship with one another during events. Both our open house, spotlighting tours of the mill’s interior in June of this year, and our storytelling event in September proved to showcase the porch’s hospitality and curb appeal to all who visit. Both the June and September events can be viewed on YouTube by searching Citizens Telephone Cooperative and choosing Roberson Mill.
Photo Credit: Friends of the Blue Ridge
Recently, Hylton Land Management, LLC completed an area adjacent from the mill to accommodate two handicap spaces. These spaces will allow visitors, facing ambulatory challenges, easier access to this mill’s offerings. As of this writing at Christmas time, the upper levels of the mill are undergoing selective removal and replacement of the flooring. In addition, volunteers have been working non-stop to provide access to ALL levels of the mill. The new flooring was milled by Greyson Millworks.
Photo Credit: Hylton Land Management
Just recently, Friends of Roberson Mill have undertaken a new and exciting venture related to fundraising efforts. Thanks to our team efforts, our recent addition of an online store will give supporters an opportunity to purchase a variety of items including works by local artisans.
In addition, our store is now offering 1-lb. bags of Plain Stone Ground Cornmeal ground by Gracious Day Grains located in Check Va.
Call to action: Our restoration efforts would not be possible without the assistance from the community and local businesses. Roberson Mill is honored to be listed on both the State and National Historic Registries pertaining to historically significant sites. Respecting this honor, board members are actively seeking volunteers, specifically ones with a background in engineering, carpentry, event planning and/or sales experience. If interested, our members are willing to train on-site for any of these volunteer opportunities. In addition, we have sponsorships available at a number of levels. Friends of Roberson Mill is a 501(c)3, therefore, any funds donated toward the mill’s restoration are tax-exempt. There are several ways to donate. This can be achieved from our website, by check, or through one of our board members. If you would prefer to mail a check, please send to:
Friends of Roberson Mill
PO Box 262
Willis VA 24380
We are adding a listing of items sought after relative to continued restoration efforts. If you have any of these items or can purchase them for donating toward continuation of this project, it will be greatly appreciated:
1- Period Flour Sacks
2- Period Photographs of farming / bringing grains to be milled
3- 5/ 4 x 6” x 12’ fencing boards
4- Round PT Posts
5- ½” x 6” or longer carriage bolts, washers, and nuts
6- smaller tarps, boxes of disposable gloves, N95 masks
7- kids plastic eggs for games
8- wooden picnic tables and folding metal chairs
9- 4 new or like new folding canopy tents
10- 2 matching whiskey barrels (53 gallon or slightly less)
Sincerely,
Regina Cox, Jeff Rainey, Tracy Sebring, Mitzi Barnett, and Tom Maxey
