Greer Mill II 2015 - Passport in Time
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Missouri - Mark Twain NF
Closed! Greer Mill Stabilization, Part II
MO-4253
June 3-7; 10-14, 2015 (includes weekends)
Must commit to one entire session; may participate in more
This summer, grab your work gloves and join us on Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest for year two of the historic Greer Mill stabilization project! Greer Mill is a fascinating piece of Ozark history! In the 19th-century, water milling was an essential industry that provided farmers access to grain processing, and rural populations access to flour. Samuel Greer, an early settler of Oregon County, built Greer Mill in 1883 and, with his partner, George Mainprize, kept it in steady business until 1899. This mill is unique in its location - just under a mile uphill from Greer Spring - and required an ingenious system of cables and pulleys to harness the power of the spring. After 1899, ownership of Greer Mill changed hands many times, but operations continued until 1920, at which time the wheels finally stopped churning. Closure that year was, most likely, due to increased competition from the railroads, which, when routes were completed, could finally stretch through the Ozarks. The railroads could bring in volumes of grain, flour, and other goods that the local mills could not match.
Today, Greer Mill is still a majestic structure in a wooded setting above the dramatic landscape of Greer Spring, but time, the elements, and lack of use have taken their toll, and the building is in need of some care to return it to its former glory - so we need your help! PIT volunteers and Forest staff will join preservation experts from HistoriCorps, a Colorado-based, public-private entity specializing in historic restoration, to conduct a variety of repairs to stabilize the structure through the repair of many areas of severe deterioration. There will be two sessions during the project. Volunteers will have the opportunity to pick up new skills (or hone existing ones) as they are taught to remove and stabilize sill plates; replace interior posts; repair and replace flooring, among other tasks. HistoriCorps will provide the tools, safety equipment, and training necessary to complete the tasks, as well as three square meals a day and water for crew.
Mark Twain National Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities for you to take advantage of during your "off hours" as well, including canoeing/kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and horseback riding. You'll meet great people, enjoy delicious cast iron cooking, and gain the satisfaction of saving this important piece of history!
Please note: we will only take applications until all slots are filled, so sign up today!
Number of openings: 8 (5 for Session 1; 3 for Session 2)
Special skills: Volunteers must be physically capable of sustained lifting, bending, kneeling, and standing for several hours each day and in a variety of weather conditions; previous carpentry, framing, masonry, and/or related construction or maintenance experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 14 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Tent and (small) RV camping available at no charge at Greer Crossing Campground; potable water, toilets; no hookups; all meals provided by HC; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment and daily transportation
Nearest towns: Alton, 10 miles; Winona, 16 miles; Birch Tree, 25 miles
Applications due: Filled