This is a 2 stage multi. Once you find stage 1 you will need to locate a tile & use the info and instructions on the cache page to solve for stage 2. Using last 3 numbers visable on the tile- Reverse them and put them in place of XXX (from stage 1) to get to stage 2. You will be on the mill property the whole time. No need to go across the fence or onto anyone's property.
I HIGHLY recommend going to stage 2 to the left of the pond, NOT down the road. There has been some beaver activity so watch your step. You'll be glad you took that route. Not only is it more visually pleasing, but you may see a couple interesting things!
Info Found Online about the Old Mill
Thad Ray Lake or old Municipal Water Supply
Thad Ray had a lake located behind the Texas Basket Factory at the corner of Myrtle Drive and Burma Road. Greg Smith states it is show on a 1914 map as Resevoir #2 As a child I was fascinated by the lake for it had the only water wheel I ever had the pleasure of viewing in person.
Old marker at ths site shows the water supply was established in 1XXX when M. L. Earle was the mayor. Other councilmen included J. M. Pressler, W. L. Dublin, M. P.Alexander, T. E. Gillespie, C. R. Nunally, O. L. Alexander. The old mill house was probably designed by S. W, Ray, (Sidney William Ray) who did architectural work for the city and designed the old Cith Hall/Fire Station located at NE corner of Ragsdale and Rusk street where the bank now stands.
Other owners of the cite include: S. W. Ray, Thad Ray, a Mr. Robinson, father of David, Robinson, and current owner J. T. Dorman .
A descendant of Thad Ray states:
I remember the lake very well. We swam out there when I was a kid. I also remember snakes. It's a wonder how we survived without government to protect us.
But actually I remember it as Uncle Sid's lake. That was Thad's older brother. He was an architect and built a number of buildings in Jacksonville. He bought it from the city, and according to my Mom, he did that before she was a teenager. She was born in 1911. He also built the stone building. She didn't know if he built it for the city, or after he bought the lake. I certainly remember the building, and of course it was in much better shape then (1940s and 1950s). I also remember the water wheel. Since you sent no pictures of it, I assume it is long gone. I do not remember the stone marker, nor does my Mom.
I think Thad must have bought the lake from Uncle Sid (Sidney William) about 1960 or maybe even earlier. I know Thad sold it before he died (1976). We don’t remember when, or to whom, or for how much. But I guess you found that in the county records. But I remember thinking at the time that somebody got a steal, and wishing I had known he was going to sell it.