The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park
Description
Located at Fairway Avenue and Lakeshore Drive, The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and is best known for its appearance in the opening scenes of the film classic, Gone With the Wind.
HISTORY
In 1931, Justin Matthews, developer of the Lakewood neighborhood of North Little Rock, contracted for the construction of a replica of an old, water-powered grist mill dedicated to the memory of Arkansas's pioneers. Neither the stone mill building, nor the general layout is a reproduction of any particular mill, but is a familiar design of early Arkansas, designed to fit the contour of a rough area.
The Mill, completed in 1933, is intended to appear abandoned - absent of doors and windows due to thieves or decay - just as old mills that were in service in the early 1800s had become by the 1930s. The image is that the old gristmill and driving equipment have fallen away or been disconnected from the water wheel; and the water gate on the flume above, although closed, is leaking enough water to turn the old wheel, which is idling away through the years.
Rodriguez, a sculptor and artist, was responsible for all the details of each piece of concrete work made to represent wood, iron or stone, as well as the designing of the foot bridges and rustic seats. Rodriguez's secret techniques were so detailed and exacting that you can identify the species of trees in most of his work. Rodriguez worked without any written plans, but there are unwritten stories that describe how Rodriguez envisioned many of his works. "A black locust tree grew in the soft earth on the bank of the little stream. When it reached a certain height it was blown down, but continued to live. A woodsman who wanted to use the trunk of the tree as a footbridge cut off the limbs and..."
WEDDINGS
The Old Mill has seen countless weddings in the 70 years since its construction. Did you get married at The Old Mill? Are you planning a wedding? Or do you just love good old-fashioned love stories?
To begin planning your wedding at The Old Mill, call the North Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department: (501) 791-8537.
Administrative Fee: $25
Because it is a public park and in a residential area, the Old Mill can only accommodate small ceremonies for couples to exchange vows. The ceremony must be a maximum of 20 minutes to exchange vows, with a maximum of 20 guests (bride, groom, officiant, etc. included). They would appreciate no music, as well, since it may disrupt other park visitors and area residents.
For help with lodging, day activities and reception locations for your wedding in North Little Rock, call the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau: (501)758-1424. For tours for groups of 10 or more, call the CVB.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.com11 days to go, still number 1! Thank you so much for your support!
Okay, we get a LOT of questions about weddings here, so thought this might be helpful! To begin planning your wedding at The Old Mill and for all reservations, call North Little Rock Parks and Recreation: (501) 791-8537. Administrative Fee: $25 Because it is a public park and in a residential area, the Old Mill can only accommodate small ceremonies for couples to exchange vows. The ceremony must be a maximum of 20 minutes to exchange vows, with a maximum of 20 guests (bride, groom, officiant, etc. included). They would appreciate no music, as well, since it may disrupt other park visitors and area residents. For help with lodging, day activities and reception locations for your wedding in North Little Rock, call the North Little Rock CVB: (501)758-1424. Thank you!
Thank you to THV11 for spreading the word. We love seeing out-of-state visitors enjoying the park, too, like the Lewis's. We're still number one as of today, thanks to all of you!
We've been nominated for the USA TODAY 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for Best Arkansas Attraction! Voting ends January 15, you can vote once a day. We would appreciate your vote!
CALL FOR HISTORIC PHOTOS: Friends of the Old Mill, the nonprofit organization that helps maintain The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, is looking for any old pictures of the Old Mill. They are primarily interested in photos prior to 1940 that show features of the park, e.g. mushrooms, bridges, water features, old buildings, signs, windlass inside the mill building, etc. Photos will help with restoration projects and will help keep the park in an authentic-as-possible condition. Priorities: 1) Any pictures of the water feature at the foot of the dam on the north side of the park to help with an upcoming restoration project. 2) Any pictures of the old windlass (wooden crane) inside the building. You can post the pictures here on The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park Facebook page or email them to Bert@friendsoftheoldmill.org. You may also bring old photos to the North Little Rock History Commission at 506 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72116 to be scanned and returned to you. Thank you for your help!
Gorgeous bridal photography at The Old Mill. Congratulations, Caitlan and Bradley!
Beautiful day at The Old Mill! 70s and overcast, still some touches of fall color and naptime for the ducks. Someone was taking gorgeous bridal photos and families were having a great time. ❤
Historic photos of the Old Mill, courtesy of The Engelberger House. There is no date but they said one of the women was born in 1921.
THANK YOU for all of your love, shares, comments and stories about our beautiful park. Please take a second to invite or tag friends that you think might also enjoy The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park. We would greatly appreciate it!
This was shared with us by Tim Hart of Ritter Communications last year.
We took this a few years ago in the spring. One of the best things about The Old Mill is its beauty in every season - during the summer you have more flowers, in the fall gorgeous warm colors, and in the winter it looks magical when it snows.
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