Gerald Griffin
(Alapaha, GA)
(updated Jan 18, 2002)
According to his mother-in-law, Jerry was born
100 years too late in the same year and location as I was. And, then,
he was Berrien-County Superintendent of Schools, a position my father occupied
during my youth. Finally, his brother, Robert Earl, a former beekeeper,
married my first cousin once removed. In sum, these facts give me
a special bond to Jerry, but he could stand on his own without these props.
He’s a nice fellow, friendly, helpful, and interested in a range of old
farm items, hobbies he shares with his wife, Linda. Now that he has
retired, he can be more devoted to his hobbies.
View on the left is the back side of his syrup shed on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the traditional day that syrup makers have open house.
Above are views of Jerry’s Golden # 3 mill
(as identified by Robert Earl). This is Jerry’s second mill, and he
has rebuilt it (poured babbitt &c.). The syrup meisters are (L-R)
Jerry Griffin, Brian Griffin, Matt Hughes, Will Outlaw, and Robert Earl Griffin.
Left, is an overall view of Jerry’s Chattanooga 44 and John Deere set-up. Bruce Shepherd seems to supervise, but he is usually a very hands-on part of the operation.
Above are close-up views of this mill.
Jerry explained that this particular mill is an older model: the pulley-shaft
housing is separate from the rest of the mill. This mill originated
in Moultrie, Georgia, and was sold to an antique dealer. This mill,
along with my Southern Plow #5, was purchased and moved to Covington, Georgia,
to a sorghum operation.
Image left, shows Jerry and his first-class furnace and kettle. His rim is hanging behind him.
Left is an “action” shot showing Robert Earl tending the syrup. Note the burlap filter surrounding the removable rim.