A Chance Encounter with History

A chance encounter during a trip to the High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina leads to the discovery of Murray's Mill

What happens when two adventurous, history-loving employees of The Old Mill, the oldest continually running grist mill in the country, decide to ditch the interstate and embark on a spontaneous adventure through the scenic back roads of North Carolina? They stumble upon hidden gems!

During our recent trip to the High Point Furniture Market, my colleague and friend, Kelly, spotted a sign for Murray's Mill, a name that piqued our curiosity. With an irresistible pull to explore, we took the detour. Little did we know that this unplanned adventure would unveil not just a meticulously preserved mill but also the enchanting Murray and Minges General Merchandise, nestled on the outskirts of Catawba, North Carolina.

The Murray’s Mill Leagacy

The history of Murray's Mill is rooted in the vision and perseverance of the Murray family. It all began in 1883 when William Murray established a mill on the site. In 1906, William passed the torch to his sons, John and Ollie, who would continue the family legacy. John took charge of the mill, while Ollie focused on operating the family general store.

Murray's Mill

In 1913, John Murray made a significant stride by replacing his father's mill with the iconic two-story structure we see today. He installed a remarkable 22-foot overshot waterwheel, replacing the former turbine. Later, in 1938, John's son, Lloyd, further enhanced the mill by raising the dam six feet and introducing the magnificent 28-foot waterwheel.

For three generations, the Murray family operated the mill, but in 1967, mounting challenges forced its closure. However, thanks to the efforts of the Catawba County Historical Association (CCHA), the mill found new life when in 1980 the meticulous restoration efforts began.

Today, Murray's Mill stands proudly as a National Register Historic Site. Inside, you'll find William's original French buhr millstones, weighing a whopping one ton and used for grinding corn. Additionally, John's addition of the Eureka roller mill, used for grinding wheat into flour, remains a testament to the mill's innovative spirit. Every nook and cranny of the mill, including the preserved storage bins partitioned with tongue and groove sheathing, holds a piece of history waiting to be discovered. It's truly hard not to marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into constructing such a remarkable piece of architecture and vintage technology.

Murray and Minge’s General Merchandise

But let me tell you, the real highlight was stepping into the cutest darn general store — a must-see!

Murray and Minges General Merchandise was built in 1890 by brothers John and James Murray and their brother-in-law, William Minges. The store was a popular gathering place for the community, and it sold a variety of goods, including groceries, hardware, and dry goods. The store was in use for over 80 years, and during that time, it underwent very few changes. It was also saved and preserved by the historical association in the 1980s.

Entering Murray and Minges General Merchandise felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure trove of history infused with an abundance of super cute merchandise. I was genuinely impressed by the adorable attention to detail and the carefully curated selection of items. I could’ve spent hours exploring every corner, immersing myself in the rich historical atmosphere and being tempted to buy everything in sight. I absolutely loved this place.

Art of discovery

The detour to Murray's Mill serves as a powerful reminder of the joy that comes with the “art” of discovery. It is my sincere hope that our experience has inspired and encouraged you to venture off the beaten path, uncover local treasures, and forge meaningful connections with the rich history and vibrant community spirit that await you.

So, fellow adventurers, go out there, explore, and let the art of discovery lead you to unforgettable experiences and cherished memories!