DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — In Jefferson County, along Deep Springs Road in Dandridge, everything about the historic Valentine Mill is handcrafted from the heart. When driving by, there's no way to know the mix of memories that wait behind the wooden doors until you step in and soak it all in.
"When they walk in, they go back in time to when they were children, and they want to bring their grandchildren in, so they can see how it was done at the turn of the century," said Shelley Valentine, the owner. "It's just a special feeling."
Shelley and her husband, Clive, love to create for the community. She makes all the jams and jellies in the storefront portion of the mill, and he is the miller making sure the corn products are crafted to perfection.
They even use vintage printing presses to stamp all their shopping bags and bags to hold various products.
The couple built Valentine Mills in the early 2000s, after about two years of construction. Clive Valentine and his father, a marine veteran who is now 100 years old, made sure every piece was in place.
Clive is an experienced craftsman and has built four mills in the past. He wanted to build this mill on his property, to use his skills fully.
"All of the equipment in the mill was either built by him as a replica, or he actually took a mill apart and put pieces in the mill," Shelley Valentine said.
It operates like the olden days too. Everything from the sounds to the smells is an authentic piece of history he's honed over the years.
"We kind of tried to keep that concept of the early American grist mills in the area," Shelley Valentine said.
This mill makes a variety of products, including grits and cornmeal. They pour into popular brands too.
"We ground corn for distilleries to start with, we ground for Ole Smoky and Popcorn Sutton, and they sold out to Sazerac, and then Knox Whiskey Works now, and Triple X," Shelley Valentine said.
Out in the shop, the shelves are lined with everything local. Everything from honey to goat's milk soap, crocheted plush animals and pickled vegetables, are all sourced from local individuals and companies.
"I try to support the community around me, and they support me," Shelley Valentine said.
One of the only operating mills in East Tennessee knows sharing their passion is a full-time job. This year, the store was well stocked with jams and jellies before the holidays, and the community showed up to buy almost everything off the shelves.
They don't stop with the daily grind, either. They are raising up the next generation, starting with their 8-year-old grandson.
"He stocks the shelves, he helps with the chicken feed he says, and he said, when he grows up, he's going to be a miller," Shelley Valentine said and smiled.
This couple isn't shutting the door on the good ol' days. They welcome them in.
If you would like to visit the Valentine Mill, you can stop by the shop on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
They also offer tours on other days of the week. You should contact the owners ahead of time to schedule those, though. You can find the shop on Facebook or at their website, historicvalentinemills.com.
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