South Rowan Historical Society watches debt for Roller Mill renovations go up in smoke

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE ó Years of fundraising for the China Grove Roller Mill Museum came to an end and went up in flames in a matter of seconds.
Members of the South Rowan Historical Society burned a copy of the promissory note during a Friday night ceremony to celebrate the final loan payment the group made on the museum.
What began as a vision 13 years ago to continue to keep the memories of the mill alive has since grown into an education/ community center.
The renovations to the building cost nearly $400,000. The group borrowed about $90,000 to complete the renovations. The last payment was made in November.
Members of the historical society and others, including some who’d donated to the numerous fundraisers, attended the note-burning at the museum located on North Main Street.
The historical society bought the mill in 1996, a year after it closed. Prior to its closing, farmers brought their wheat and corn to be processed into flour there. In its later years, the mill manufactured feed. The mill was founded in 1895.
Barbara Doby, president of the historical society, called the mill holy ground because “only God has allowed it to stand.”
She recalled the building caught on fire years ago and wind whipped through the building when the roof needed to be repaired.
“I’m very proud we have come to this point in our life with the historical society,” Doby said.
It was three years and one week ago this night that the renovations began, Doby said.
It was fitting that Friday was the night everyone gather around this time, she said.
Judy Haire, who also has put in countless hours raising funds, thanked those who were there.
“You always gave and gave willingly. Most importantly, you believed in this facility,” Haire said.
Your belief and encouragement was the greatest gift of all.”
Bruce Jones, who co-chaired the fundraising campaign, said it was one of the most enjoyable campaigns he has been involved in.
“We have a great heritage to leave to young people and the community,” Jones said.
Dorothy Gagnier moved to China Grove about four years ago and got involved with the historical society.”It’s a fantastic accomplishment,” Gagnier said.
Gagnier recalled some of the fundraisers, including garage sales and spahgetti dinners.
“It’s many years of hard work,” she said.
Dean Moore volunteered during various fundraisers and saw the project when it was in its first phase.
“I was here when they first bought it. They’ve done a lot of work. It’s unbelieveable,” he said.
Moore said he remembers fondly when Barbara Doby was “biting her nails” searching for the next donors.
“I saw it beginning to end,” he said.
China Grove resident Clint Abernathy sang “Bless this House” after the note-burning.
“It’s great. It’s something for our community to enjoy. There’s so much great history,” Abernathy said.
“We saved a part of our history. This is our history. We want to keep that part to give it to the future,” said Kay Kluttz, the museum’s curator.
“I’d like to see it stay up for another 100 years,” she said.
Kluttz will frame the original promissory note.
The 100-year-old cauldron Doby used in burning the promissory note belonged to a China Grove family. The table the cauldron sat on was used in the mill and belonged to the last mill president, Jack Miller. She decided to use those items because of their historical significance.The museum will be closed during the winter. For more information on open houses, contact Barbara Doby at 704-855-8329.