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The Old Mill: A Picturesque Landmark in Mountain Brook

Discover the historic charm of The Old Mill in Mountain Brook, a picturesque landmark offering a glimpse into Birmingham's past and a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.

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The Old Mill in Mountain Brook, Alabama, is a charming replica of an 1870s grist mill, built in 1926 by Robert Jemison Jr. Initially a tea room, it's now a private residence, offering a glimpse into the area's history and natural beauty from Mountain Brook Parkway [3, 5].

A brief summary to The Old Mill

  • 2780 Mountain Brook Pkwy, Birmingham, Alabama, 35223, US

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography [3].
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Jemison Park Trail for a scenic walk [3, 4].
  • Respect the privacy of the residents as The Old Mill is a private home and can only be viewed from the road [3, 4].
  • Visit during the fall for stunning views of the mill surrounded by colorful foliage [4].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 2780 Mountain Brook Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35223 [3]. Parking is limited to street parking along Mountain Brook Parkway [3, 4]. Be mindful of traffic [3, 4]. From most points in Birmingham, take US-280 E and exit onto Mountain Brook Parkway. The Old Mill will be visible on your right [4].

  • Public Transport

    For those using public transportation from Birmingham, take the MAX (Metro Area Express) bus service [3, 4]. Board a MAX bus route 280 or 42 heading towards Mountain Brook and disembark at the nearest stop to Mountain Brook Parkway [3, 4]. From there, it is approximately a short walk to The Old Mill [3, 4]. Check local bus schedules for exact times and routes, as they may vary. A one-way fare is $1.50 [3, 4, 6], and an all-day pass is $3 [3, 7].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft provides a direct route to The Old Mill at 2780 Mountain Brook Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35223 [3, 4]. Fares vary depending on your starting location and the time of day [3, 4]. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a ride from downtown Birmingham [3, 4].

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Discover more about The Old Mill

The Old Mill, gracefully situated on the banks of Shades Creek in Mountain Brook, Alabama, stands as a picturesque emblem of the region's rich history [3]. Constructed in 1926 by the visionary real estate developer Robert Jemison Jr., it is a replica of Perryman's Mill, which thrived in the late 1800s before closing in 1887 [3, 5]. Landscape architect William H. Kessler designed the mill to evoke tranquility and charm, creating a haven for residents and visitors [3]. Originally conceived as a tea room, The Old Mill opened its doors on July 24, 1927, quickly becoming a beloved gathering place [3, 5]. It offered meals priced from 50 cents to $1.75, with seating extending to outdoor terraces [3, 5, 10]. Mrs. Jemison collaborated with Mrs. Ross Smith and Mrs. Crawford Johnson to create exquisite hand-sewn table linens. During winter, the interior was adorned with Southern artisans' crafts [3]. Frances Bomer, supported by the Junior League of Birmingham, skillfully managed the attraction [3, 5]. However, the Great Depression led to the tea room's closure [3, 5]. In 1952, Bill O'Neal acquired the property and transformed it into a private residence [3, 5]. The Hendersons, who later owned the mill, meticulously restored the water wheel and made structural repairs [3, 5]. Today, The Old Mill remains a private residence, a testament to Mountain Brook's enduring charm [3]. Although the interior is not open to the public, visitors can admire the exterior from Mountain Brook Parkway and the nearby Jemison Park Trail [3, 4]. The wooden waterwheel, which turns when the creek is high, adds to its appeal [3, 5]. The Old Mill is proudly featured on the city's official seal [3, 5].

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