10 Comments

Michael what a great tribute to such a special place for our entire family. Your words have stirred up a wave of emotions for us all and I know they mean so much to your grandparents who have poured their hearts and souls into Kapps Mill over the years. As you know we have shared countless memories at the "Damn" at Kapps Mill which has served as the heartbeat for that community for decades and also for 4 generations in our family going back to your great grandparents that bought the property so many years ago. After weathering countless storms and floods over the years it is incredibly ironic that Hurricane Michael ultimately delivered the fatal blow to this historic structure. Your mom and Aunt Jennifer spent endless summers and holidays there that are forever etched in their minds as well as you, Anna and Natalie over the years. I too miss the rumbling of water cascading over the damn and the vibrations in the bones of the house as I drifted off to sleep at the end of so many great days since my first visit 37 years ago. Although the storm washed away such an iconic symbol for our family and the community as a whole, it did not, nor will it ever wash away the incredible memories and times that we have shared there together. Kapps Mill and the "Damn" will forever hold a special place in our hearts and collective "Memory Banks" forever!

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I too, was lulled to sleep by the dam rattling the front door of our house. We lived close to the bridge and my parents are still there. I am pretty sure they are friends with your grandparents. They once had a garden in the bottom close to the river behind their house. You may have played there too. Mom remembers seeing that tree come down the river that washed the dam away and how it got stuck along the way. My parent have lived and loved the river and the dam since they moved there in 1972.

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I miss that dam so much! I still love going down there but it doesn’t feel quite the same without seeing that flow of water with the lights running down it! You did such a great job documenting this Michael, it reminds me of so many great memories growing up! miss you all so much!

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Thanks Clara, much love!

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This brought me to tears Michael. That dam meant so much to me and this family. I have countless memories that will stay with me forever there. I especially miss the Christmas lights. I wish we could still kayak and swim in the once deep waters. I always loved the rush of the waterfall. So peaceful. Thank you for documenting not only the tragedy but telling others how much the dam meant to us.

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Thank Michael for sharing. I personally know Tom and Ned. This actually about as True as listening to Both speak. I’ve help clean the sediment off and replace some of the Loscust Timber supports. Memories that I often share with my son as we travel up and down the Mitchell River.. Thanks again!!

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As you know, all forms of dam help were greatly appreciated! Glad that the dam had an impact on you and your family.

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A special story Michael about an undeniably special place. thank you for a beautiful read!

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Thanks for reading Hanes. Hope you're doing well!

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Beautifully written, Michael!❤️

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