Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Graham's Forge Mill Account Book, Mss. Collection 2001.32, Kegley Library, Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, VA

Acquisition Information

Donated by Ruth Ann Chitwood in 2001 as part of the W. R. Chitwood Collection.

Historical Information

David P. Graham and John Robinson operating as The Graham-Robinson Company opened the five-story mill in 1890. The Mill, located on Reed Creek in Wythe County, was centered around the community known as Grahams Forge that included a general store, houses, Methodist church, and forge. George L. Carter later purchased it for Virginia, Iron, Coal and Coke Company operations. After Carter's death in the 1930s, the mill ceased operation. G. Raymond Jennings purchased it from the Carter estate and sold it to Dr. James L. Chitwood in 1961. More recent owners include Robert Weiskotten and William T. Decker.

The mill itself is still intact and is located west of the intersection of Route 619 and Route 629, north-east of the Route 629 bridge over Reed Creek. The Graham-Robinson store building stands nearby as does the Graham's Forge Methodist Church. The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Scope and Content

This 70 page account book features random entries detailing transactions of grain, livestock and equipment. Many pages are brittle and torn.

Adjunct Descriptive Data

Bibliography