In 1913, there is a water-powered sawmill in rural southeast Guilford County, NorthCarolina. The Gilmer family, including Samuel, his wife Anna and their children live with Anna’s father, Lee Hanner, in the home beside this mill. The two men own andoperate the sawmill, and the entire family works together to maintain this farm.
The story begins during a winter blizzard in late February, flowing throughout theyear 1913, culminating in a Thanksgiving celebration. Will Granger, who has livedby himself on the next farm for three years now is so disagreeable that he has alienated his neighbors. The Gilmer youngsters attend a one-room school, wheretiny six-year-old Lillie faces a bully. Molly, Jake, and Lillie work hard around the farm and sometimes get into frightening situations. Young men in 1913 learn howto use firearms at an early age; they help provide food for their families and protectthem. Jake, age ten, is skillful with his shotgun, but gets into trouble when heaccidentally trespasses on land of their angry neighbor. Molly, a mature sixteen-year-old, is quite bright, and she is recommended by their teacher to complete herstudies at Tucker School and then to attend college in Greensboro and be educatedas a teacher. The lives of early Native Americans in rural Guilford is explained, andalso the history of Alamance Presbyterian Church, founded 1762. Farming in rural North Carolina is just becoming mechanized in 1913, changing how planting andharvesting are done. During this time, church is the center of the community. Livesare changed, and churches also provide social activities. Folks living in this area work hard, but they also enjoy celebrations, music, food, and fun.
Little Mill on Beaver Creek is the story of the hardships, the struggles and joys of living in ruralNorth Carolina in the early part of the 20th century. It is about a family who work, pray, and play together, keeping their sense of humor and faith in God.
