PH OTO ESSAY This grist mill was originally developed by Luke Thompson during the Civil War era in Sylvatus, Virginia (just outside Hillsville). The mill has seen many other owners throughout its years, but Mr. and Mrs. George (G.W.) Lewis bought it around 1919 when they moved their family from West Virginia to Sylvatus. The family was the first in that area to have electricity, which led to organization of the Sylvatus Power Company around 1922; it was later sold to the Appalachian Power Company. 56 BlueRidgeCountry.comhttp://www.BlueRidgeCountry.com