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Hogbear Hollow

SC PICTURE PROJECT 6 Comments

SC Picture Project / Chesterfield County / Hogbear Hollow

The Chesterfield County town of Mt. Croghan is home to this restored grist mill once called Steen Millpond. In 1975 North Carolina native Jane and Hugh Neisler purchased the property and rehabilitated the mill, turning it once again into a working grist mill.

Steen Grist Mill

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

According to local lore, a small bear – about the size of a hog – on occasion could be seen roaming the area, giving the mill its current name. Today the Neislers grind corn in their mill, offering demonstrations to anyone interested in learning about mill life and customs. While they do not sell their cornmeal, they are happy to share it with friends, neighbors, and visitors.

Steen Millpond

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Contributor Jim Jenkins, who supplied us with the photos and information on Hogbear Hollow, shares these words from mill owner Hugh Neisler: “We are very low-key and don’t do much advertising – but a little exposure may not hurt.”

Mill Stone

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Mr. Jenkins also encourages people to visit the working mill, saying, “The restoration process has been amazing, and the mill is a hidden treasure on a dirt road, well off the beaten path, offering a glimpse of the past and demonstrations of what hard work can accomplish.”

Interior – Hogbear Hollow


Hogbear Hollow

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hogbear Hollow

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hogbear Hollow

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hogbear Hollow

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Reflections on Hogbear Hollow


Jim Jenkins further shares this info about the old mill and its owners: “Today Hogbear Hollow is a treasure awaiting your discovery. While the site is a visual treat, you will enjoy the Neislers’ company even more.”

Add your own reflections here.

Plan Your Trip: Hogbear Hollow

Where is Hogbear Hollow located?
Address: Zilly Steen Road, Mt. Croghan, SC 29727
GPS Coordinates: 34.728310,-80.286946
What else should I see?
Woodward Mill 6.6 miles
Rivers Park 7.2 miles
Mount Croghan 7.2 miles
Ruby Baptist Church 9.7 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Mills
    Hogbear Hollow Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ronnie Rollings says

      February 13, 2020 at 2:42 PM

      I have lived all my life not much more than a couple of miles from Steen Mill pond. As a child I rode a mule out there to wash burlap bags and go swimming. The Neislers deserve our thanks for taking great care of a beautiful piece of our history.

      Reply
    2. Jim Evitt says

      November 7, 2017 at 7:33 PM

      Hogbear Mill was owned By my ancestors, the Steen Family.

      Reply
    3. Donnie Sullivan says

      April 19, 2016 at 10:10 PM

      The Neislers are a very nice, friendly couple who love people and do own a real piece of history in Chesterfield County.

      Reply
    4. Donald Irving Mac Kay Jr. says

      July 24, 2015 at 4:22 PM

      History we should learn from.

      Reply
    5. Jennifer Hatcher Sykes says

      December 24, 2014 at 11:45 PM

      I remember this well with Hugh and Jane. I visited it when I was a teenager with Joe A. Neisler, my step-father. LOVELY!

      Reply
    6. Pauline Neisler says

      December 24, 2014 at 6:59 PM

      Yes, that's me.

      Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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