The Mill Building
The Mill Building was originally called 'Prince Edward Mills'. The mill was established in 1838. The building you see today is a combination of two mill buildings. The original mill burnt down in 1933, and was rebuilt. In 1933 the 100-foot tall Elevator/Hopper was added, and was one of the tallest grain elevators in this part of Virginia at the time.The Wall across from the Mill Building is made of Granite Schist, and was possibly quarried along the banks of the Appomattox River. The parallel grooves in the rocks of the wall are called Star Drill Marks. The drill that cut these rocks was probably five foot long. One person held the drill. Another person hammered it with an 18 pound sledge hammer. The depth of holes were about 18 inches. Generally, Slaves did the work. The holes were about 4 inches apart. The tip of the drill is what gives it the name, "Star Drill". Once the holes were drilled the Master Quarryman would order black powder be placed in the holes. A long wick would go from one hole to the other. Then the wick would be lit and everyone would run like heck. It was dangerous work dealing with black powder because any kind of spark could set it off, even humidity could cause it to ignite.
The Mill Room (lower level of The Mill Building) is available for rental for meetings and parties.
Visit The Mill Room website for more information.
