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| Dr. Smith at the Milliron Sawmill |
Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.: June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010 Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021 |
There were not many times when Jody was speechless. When I asked her about Pete's sawmill, she looked into my eyes and tilted her head. She didn't have much to say about it, except that it was expensive and hard work. The sawmill is what Pete wanted to do in his golden years. I think Jody may have been thinking about traveling to far off places, or things that aging couples do. But, Pete enjoyed trees - knowing their names, feeling their bark, hearing the mammoth saw create something new.
Today I found a CD of photos. It's titled Milliron Farm's Buckeye Beams and Mantels from an unknown photographer. I will share the photos on Milliron's Facebook sawmill album. The photos remind me of walking through the large sawmill and buildings with Jody. The smell of timber, grease, and machinery permeated the air. You can still see the buildings from Ohio State Route 550.
Many people should be mentioned for their support of Pete and realizing his sawmill dream; people who donated their labor, skills, building materials, and moral support. The sawmill was large - they say the largest this side of the Mississippi. I don't know if that's legend or fact, but when you stood close to the large rotary saws, skidders, chains, and controls, it was impressive.
Maybe Cinderella's quote (above) isn't appropriate for a timberman like Pete, but dreams always begin in the heart.
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| Dr. Smith at the control panel. |
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| Milliron Farm Sawmill |
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