RAEFORD — Constructed in 1795, the historic Mill Prong Plantation House stands as a testament to the legacy of John Gilchrist, a Scottish Highland immigrant who played a significant role in the agriculture and politics of the Lumber River region.

Recognized as a site of historical importance, Mill Prong House proudly resides on the National Registry of Historic Sites. In 1834, Archibald McEachern became the steward of the property, further enriching its tale.

The Mill Prong Preservation Inc. extends an invitation for an afternoon at the iconic Mill Prong House 2-4 p.m. on April 14.

The Annual Meeting will place with guest Nancy Strickland Chavis, the Director of the Museum of the Southeast American Indian. She will present insights into the lives of Native American communities during the Colonial era.

Docents will guide visitors through the home and grounds, highlighting the architectural and the efforts in preservation and restoration.

Historical displays weave the narrative of the early Scottish settlers through the tumultuous times of the American Revolution and Civil War, all set against the backdrop of Raft Swamp and Lumber River.

An array of refreshments, featuring recipes from “Keepers of the Hearth”—a compilation of cherished recipes discovered within the Mill Prong House ledgers.

A discussion will take place 1-4 p.m. on April 13, at the Annex just behind Mill Prong House. The subject will center on the African American cemetery on the property. Hosts are seeking information about those intered and the efforts to honor the memories of those who rest there. Guests are encouraged the share knowledge as hostw work to protect this sacred ground.

The journey to restore Mill Prong House began in earnest in 1978, initiated by Lida Bullock of Red Springs, the widow of a descendant who generously offered the property on a long-term lease to Mill Prong Preservation Inc. Her legacy was cemented when her children granted full ownership to our organization. Thanks to the dedication of the Gilchrist and McEachern descendants, the house was beautifully restored in 1993.

However, the ravages of time and nature have left their mark. The hurricanes of 2016 and 2017 inflicted devastating damage, resulting in structural losses to chimneys and the graceful facade. The aging siding, columns, and banisters now bear the scars of rot, and the roof that was last replaced in 1993 is due for renewal. The restoration efforts have begun anew, with a fresh coat of paint and repaired windows signaling our commitment to Mill Prong’s future. Visitors are invitesd to be a part of this ongoing legacy by contributing a tax-deductible donation to safeguard this cherished piece of Scottish heritage.