Minglewood Presentation and Tour

The Mengel Box Company’s band mill operation in Dyer County is one of the more interesting stories of Dyer County history.  The mill was used to harvest trees in the Trimble area before being moved down to the Obion River in western Dyer County.  The company cut and shipped lumber to the urban areas for use in boxes, barrels and buildings from Memphis and New Orleans to Chicago.  The economy of logging sustained many families for years.  Once the trees were gone, the land was ideal for farming.
 
The Dyer County Historical Society will present the story of the town known as Mengelwood that once stood in the woods on the Obion River just west of Big Boy junction.  This presentation will feature the history of the Mengel Box Company, the development of the town of Mengelwood, the work of people in the mill as well as life in the small logging town in the 1920s.  Those in attendance will learn about many of the communities that once flourished but no longer exist. Those interested in the Minglewood story and logging in Dyer County should assemble at the Professional Development Center at 2:00 on Sunday, November 17th.  The PDC is located at 305 College Street in downtown Dyersburg.
 
“We are excited to offer this small part of Dyer County history to the public.” said Danny Walden, president of the Dyer County Historical Society. “We are fortunate to have a collection of photos, artifacts and music from the early part of the 20th century.  Together they tell a compelling story of life in Dyer County 100 years ago.  It’s one of the more popular stories that visitors to the Dyer County Museum like to hear.  I encourage everyone join us on Sunday.”
 
While pictures, artifacts and music can give one a good idea about the lost town of Minglewood, actually taking a walk among the remains of the town is a memorable experience that will not soon be forgotten.  Since the remains of the town are on private property, the Society has arranged to lead a field trip to the site of Minglewood, Tennessee immediately following the presentation on Sunday afternoon.  Those who are interested in seeing the site will be given the opportunity to travel as a group for a brief tour of the property immediately following the 2:00 o’clock presentation.
 
For more information, contact:
 
Danny Walden, President of the Dyer County Historical Society
731-676-8075
dannywalden@icloud.com