Dellinger's Mill in Bakersville, North Carolina

Bruce Koran along with Jack Dellinger share the story of the famous Dellinger's Mill located along Cane Creek near Bakersville, North Carolina. This video is part of a continuing series by the Mitchell County Historical Society to further its commitment to preserving the history and heritage of Mitchell County

[@dogge929]

Thank you for taking this. I fear that Jack's health may not be what it used to be, for he hasn't been back at all this year. I'm afraid that once he's gone, the mill may fall to rot away, or it might be pilfered. There are youngins around here who wouldn't skip the opportunity to swipe something.
I live a half mile from the mill, and it's always a pleasure to see it run.
I've known Jack my whole life and the mill even better. If y'all have any questions feel free to ask me.
Take care.

[@lpscandyzander6367]

I wish that I knew who could take over! I’m a great great granddaughter and my cousin David Dellinger brought me to visit several years ago and we met Jack. David is in Cramerton,NC

[@connieelliott9308]

Enjoyed your story and mill tour Brought back memories When I was there

[@waynespyker5731]

Congratulations for all your hard restoration effort and work. I am glad to see a known original Fitz Waterwheel. I think a minor correction should be introduced, the Fitz Waterwheel Co was in Hanover, Pennsylvania not 99 miles away in New Hanover, Pa.
The curved lines of rivets fastening the buckets are an indication it could be a Fitz. Is the Fitz brass name plate still in place? One may be able to search the original price from the name plate number at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington as they have the Fitz business records.
ua-cam.com/video/uctYUnaRr8Y/v-deo.html
A local 1826 mill built with a wooden waterwheel on a wood shaft, upgraded to a used Fitz 4' x 12' diameter steel outer buckets/rims in 1922 costing nearly $400. A $75 steel shaft with hubs from a fire damaged neighboring mill replaced those wood items in 1944. A 1985 sawmill injury to Harry Cross, the miller, closed the grist mill operation, rust deteriorated the wheel lower segments to an unsafe condition. A 1998 restoration effort cloned the Fitz waterwheel dimensional but welding replaced the riveting process.