A Step Back in Time…. Francis Cove Grist Mill

Bethel Elementary Schools took a step back in time on Wednesday during a trip to the Francis Cove Grist Mill. The students got to explore the upstairs and downstairs of the mill (built in 1887), learn about its heritage, and see the water source that powers it. Students were fascinated by the equipment, especially the wooden flume and the overshot waterwheel. Mrs. Timbes, one of Bethel’s own, showed pictures of her family, who have operated the mill since its beginning. Representatives from the Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation taught students about the effects of erosion on the mill pond.

After learning about the Mill, students visited several stations to learn about Haywood County heritage. These stations included pottery, furs, bee keeping, archery, and butter making.