Reed’s Mill

Second Creek, Monroe County
Date of Construction: c. 1800
Threat: Environmental

March 2019 Update: There continues to be a powerpost beetle problem and an excessive amount of silt in the mill pond. The owner has applied for grant funding to address maintenance issues and is working with an exterminator to address the powerpost beetles.

2018: Reed’s Mill, originally named “McDowell’s Mill” was constructed by Archibald McDowell. It is believed that the mill was constructed sometime between 1791 and 1837.  The grist mill is historically significant because it provides insight into the pattern of settlement in the region and for its relationship with the pioneer McDowell family who built it and the Reed family who owned and operated the mill since 1914.

Second Creek has been called a power stream by those who have lived on it, and it is believed that at one time there were over 22 mills running along the Second Creek.  However, Reed’s Mill is the only mill to remain in continuous operation since its construction.  In 1992, Larry Mustain became owner of the mill, and he and his son, still work the mill producing two varieties of high quality buckwheat flour.  Until recently, the water-powered turbine mill derived its power from Second Creek, but today the mill is electrically operated and also houses a broom-making shop.  The mill is located about a mile down Second Creek Road off US 219.

There are several threats to this historic mill.  Sediment is filling the mill pond gathering in the water turbine and wheels, and there is a powder post beetle infestation in the wood.  There have been discussions of widening the road toward the mill building.  The owners are working to deal with these issues and hope to draw attention to the challenges of operating a historic mill.  Their ultimate goal is to continue its operation in the Reed Family.