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Right smack in the middle of Greer’s industrial and urban growth stands one of the last vestiges of the community’s storied past. It’s Suber’s Mill, and it’s been a cherished institution in these parts since the earliest years of the twentieth century. 

The old mill is one of the very few water-ground gristmills remaining in the state of South Carolina, and a visit there is like stepping back into another time. 

When you walk through the door, you can hear the rhythmic swoosh of the giant water wheel out back as it makes another revolution. In wintertime, a pot-bellied stove spreads its warmth across the room. And there’s a pleasant aroma of grinding corn permeating the old building that’s stood at this location for around a hundred years. Leave your cares and your technology behind. You’ll feel right at home here, and you’ll likely walk away with a bag of freshly ground grits or cornmeal packaged in the trademark Suber bag.

Jim and Linda Suber are the owners of the historic mill and have been since Jim’s mother passed away in 2017. But Jim’s been here grinding corn for most of his 81 years, first helping his father, the late Walter Hilary Suber, and then taking over the day-to-day operations of the mill when his father was no longer able. Jim remembers the days when local farmers would bring their own corn to be milled, paying the Subers a toll for their work. There was also a hammer mill which was used to grind animal feed in years past. That’s all gone now. These days Jim buys the corn he needs for the mill’s operation, and most of it comes out of Kentucky. Suber cornmeal continues to be sold in several retail locations, including Greer’s own Quality Foods. And a few local restaurants use Suber products in their recipes.

At one time, the mill was open six days a week, but a couple of years ago, Jim and Linda decided to abbreviate their work week, and now they’re open only on Saturdays. Even at that, you’re likely to find a crowd of people there happily making their purchases and talking with the amiable owners who are always glad to give visitors a tour of the old mill.

The coming new year will mark another transition in Suber’s long and rich history. Jim and Linda have decided to hand the operation of the mill over to their son Brian and daughter Lisa. They will be the fifth generation of Subers to operate the gristmill on Prince’s Creek. And so, the future of one of Greer’s most beloved and cherished historical landmarks seems to be secure. 

So, do yourself a favor. On some Saturday real soon, make your way down Suber Mill Road, just off South Buncombe Road, and stop at Suber’s Mill. 

Buy a bag of grits or cornmeal and be a part of a Greer tradition that’s been around almost as long as the town itself.