The Double Mill Pond

*Double Mills Recognized as One of Maryland’s Most Endangered Sites by Preservation Maryland*

"The Double Mills property, which includes the mill and store building, was recently
named No. 4 on Preservation Maryland’s Most Endangered Sites list in Endangered
Maryland 2008, a yearly magazine published in partnership with Maryland life. Not only did we make the list, Double Mills made the cover! This is tremendous news for the mill and we are very pleased to have the publicity.

Restoration Begins

Nearly thirty years after Double Mills was silenced by a fierce Nor’easter, efforts to save the mill and the surrounding property are well under way! Under the direction of President, Leland Smith, the restoration project is already proving to be a success. The property is now owned by Double Mills, Inc, after ownership
was signed over to the non-profit organization by Dick and Ed Wright. The mill has had emergency repairs and shoring, and electrical hookup has been completed by Choptank Electric.

Future plans for the complex include full restoration of the mill to grinding capacity. It is unclear at this time how much of the pond will be filled, but it is hoped that we will have enough water to produce “water-ground” cornmeal once again.
To illustrate the importance of the mill to the history of the area, an on-site
museum is planned as well as educational exhibits throughout the mill and grounds.

Also on the property is a general store, which was most recently used as a home by
Louise Torbert (daughter of one-time miller Tennessee Thomas) until the late 1960s. Restoration of the Store as a living history museum is planned.

Unfortunately, the miller’s house, which sat atop the hill, was destroyed to make way for the housing development, Mockingbird III (see Gone Forever, p. 2). Hopefully, a Civil-War era building can some day be moved to the property to serve as the “Miller’s House.”

The grounds are in excess of three acres, and hold many possibilities. Nature trails and picnic areas are certainly being planned. But also, educational projects, such as a Native American village along Barren Creek, have been suggested.

Difficult things take a long time, impossible things a little longer. ~Author Unknown"

I had the unique pleasure of meeting some of the people involved in this Non Profit challenge this past weekend. We toured the entire facility and discussed their passion and quest towards bringing this project to a level in which politicians would show more interest in the history, (or what's left of it) in the state of Maryland helping them through grants and political attention.

The foundation is shot and fortunately Expert Home Movers was kind enough to donate around $50,000.00+ worth of their services to lift and stabilize both structures. It will cost around $70,000.00 to build a new foundation and obviously it's going to take a lot of money to bring the project to a final reality in which they can have their museum.

It will also take quite a bit of volunteers to come together, show interest and actually get involved. They need large groups like bringing together all of the local Fire Departments, Schools and so forth and make this project something the Eastern Shore can be proud of. I personally see this project very worth while and hope many of you will as well. I remember when they sold the property in Berlin/Ocean City to the Riddle Farm and all those historic buildings were torn down and forever removed. The only thing I believe they saved was the Stables and even that wasn't saved and restored like many had expected. Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful they did what they did but if this particular project just sits, it to will deteriorate and fall apart before you know it.

All too often in life we bitch and complain AFTER the fact. This is your opportunity to get involved and feel proud to be a part of restoring local history. It's honestly a perfect opportunity to get your children involved from the ground up in such a project. The more that become interested, the better opportunity our children will show interest in history and our communities.

Just because it's located in Mardela doesn't mean people from Parsonsburg, Pittsville, Delmar, Salisbury, Princess Anne and so forth can't get involved. Do get involved and start networking with other communities so when the time comes they need your help everyone will have a list of people/corporations to rely on.

If you're interested in any way, please contact Wayne & Stephanie Elliott at steppie62@comcast.net. Thank You for your consideration. Joe Albero