New Interpretive Sign at One Mill Park

One Mill Park located in southern Camden County has a story to tell, and now is available to all who choose to visit.  On Tuesday, May 15th, Camden Parks and Recreation Director, Tim White, thanked Alex and Sandra Leary for their part in discovering, preserving and sharing history with the public.  Alex Leary was swimming in the waters, a favorite spot of locals over 40 years ago and stubbed his toe on something.  He dug around it under water and a large round mill stone was discovered.  He rolled it to shore and solicited friends to assist in lifting it into the bed of his truck.  Alex has been the keeper of many of history’s hidden treasures over the years.  As a history educator, his love of the past has been reflected in his collections, stories and sharing of this knowledge to many civic groups, students and now the public who visit the Park.  Five windmills once stood in the Shiloh area in the 1800’s.  Used to grind corn into cornmeal, the wind was a source of power for such work.  Unfortunately, wind was also the source of the demise of these mills, at hurricane force.

White designed and installed an interpretive sign with photos of the tall, graceful sentry overlooking the waters near the sound.  The Mill Stone is also featured in this display, a round carved stone, traveling many miles from the Caribbean to serve the residents of Camden County.  Local grain was milled into food for families. This lovely park no longer has windmills, but features picnic pavilions, playground, boardwalk, boat ramp, restrooms and a spectacular view of the Pasquotank River and the Albemarle Sound.

County Manager Ken Bowman and Camden Commissioners Tom White and Garry Meiggs each shared their appreciation for this historical addition to the beautiful Park and thanked the Leary’s for their generous donation.  More of Camden County’s history can be discovered at the Camden County Heritage Museum and Historic Jail, open on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Call 252-771-8333 for more information on Camden County Tourism.

Pictured from left to right:  Commissioner Tom White, Sandra and Alex Leary, Commissioner Garry Meiggs, County Manager Ken Bowman and Parks and Rec Director, Tim White.