Historic 1880s water-powered gristmill being restored as a working mill and living history museum by Friends of Roberson Mill (FORM).
The Roberson Mill was designed and built in the 1880s by John W. Epperly, who would become one of Floyd County’s most accomplished millwrights. Owned by the Roberson family since 1931, it was one of the last two commercial mills in the county to grind using water power. A staple on Floyd County breakfast tables until the mid-20th century, the buckwheat flour produced here until the mid-1980s is now all but forgotten by local cooks and consumers.
Friends of Roberson Mill is working to restore and preserve the Roberson Mill. They successfully raised funds and completed their Phase 1 goal of restoring the structural integrity of the building. This included repairing the foundation and exterior framing, replacing the roof, siding, and windows, and repairing damaged areas of the interior flooring.
They are currently in Phase 2, which involves completing additional structural and weatherproofing work, as well as addressing necessary site and interior safety improvements to allow visitors inside. The ultimate goal is to return the mill to operation as a gristmill and living history museum - an educational facility open to the public for tours, demonstrations, and hands-on exhibits.
