Grist Mill - ca. 1900
Although
the Shields-Ethridge farm was primarily a cotton farm, corn and
wheat were also grown. The grist mill provided ground meal for family,
tenants, and neighbors. It also included a hammer mill and planing
mill that were powered by an International Harvester engine. The
planing mill was used to dress lumber sawn on the farm. It's likely
that the blacksmith shop workers also operated the grist mill machinery
since the grist mill wasn't operated continuously.