Project for restoration of Rowland Sawmill is off to a running start

A valuable piece of White County History is in danger. The Everett Rowland Sawmill, in the Quebeck community of White County, desperately needs some care.

The sawmill was donated to the White County Heritage Museum about six years ago. The museum’s budget is administered by the county. Since the museum assumed ownership, the property and structures have deteriorated. Community members are dedicated to restoring the sawmill as a historical site, museum, and tourist attraction. Upon Mr. Rowland’s death, the family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the White County Heritage Museum for the restoration of Rowland Sawmill. In addition, upon the death of Jerry Austin, a former county commissioner, his family requested donations for the project.

Members of the community and Heritage Museum came to the county committee meetings, on Aug. 7, to discuss the situation and to promote a fundraising event for the project. It was clear committee members were committed to supporting the project.

Two different committees voted to send two separate requests for funding to the budget committee. One request was for money to clear the overgrown lot, and the other requested money to supplement the donated funds so that a new shelter could be constructed to protect the mill equipment. The budget committee tabled both proposals until it had details about what would be done for the money requested. White County Finance Director Chad Marcum also pointed out that any money spent on the project, including donated money, would require approval by the county commission.

The sawmill has been a part of the community for about 150 years. John Golston started the mill in 1876. In 1929, John Savage Kirby and Myrl Slatton spent four weeks installing a new 60-horsepower boiler engine bought from the Cincinnati, Ohio-based Southern Engine and Boiler Company. The Tennessee Saw and Planing Mill continued operations until 1930, when Everett Rowland purchased the mill and renamed it Everett Rowland Lumber Company.

There will be a hamburger-hot dog fundraiser, with steam engine ice cream, at the Quebeck Community Center, 375 Quebeck Rd., Quebeck, Tennessee, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 26, 2023. The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. This fee includes a hamburger or hot dog, chips, baked beans, a drink, and an ice cream ticket. Visitors can purchase just an ice cream ticket for $4.