About
Started in 1971 by volunteers known as “the gang,” this group endeavored to restore the dilapidated 1855 grist mill and surrounding buildings. With this goal in mind, the Prater’s Mill Foundation was formed with the mission to protect, preserve and present the heritage of the Prater’s Mill Site for future generations.
Historic Prater’s Mill is now owned by Whitfield County but operated and maintained by the Prater’s Mill Foundation. As a non-profit volunteer group, the Foundation relies heavily on revenue from the annual Country Fair, grounds reservations, memberships, and donations. We invite you to join Become a Member and support the ongoing preservation of this treasured site.
Donations to the Foundation are used for projects such as the Veteran’s History Project with the Library of Congress, preservation of historic buildings on site, support of the Foundation’s Southern Appalachian Folklife Collection and Center, the Prater’s Mill Historical Marker Project, and Hands-0n-History for school age children. Prater’s Mill is more than just a mill. In return for your efforts, you can meet new friends, have fun, and sustain the history of this historic district.
You can help by donating your time and/or money. We need volunteers to help maintain the grounds, special events, and assist with the annual country fair. Let us know your ideas! 706-694-MILL or info@pratersmill.org.
BEFORE (1971):
AFTER (2011):
Prater’s Mill is also a member of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM), an international organization chartered in Maine in 1972 dedicated by its constitution to promote interest in old mills and other Americana now quickly passing from the present scene. The Society reports to its members through a quarterly magazine, keeps files and maintains a library on mills, and acts as a clearing house on milling information. A wealth of information and links to mills internationally can be found at the Society web site, SPOOM.org.