Rebuild the Sorghum Shed Chimney

Help Preserve a Piece of Shelby County History: Rebuild the Sorghum Shed Chimney

The Story of Sorghum Syrup at Shelby Iron Works Park

For decades, the folks of South Shelby County have cherished the Fall Festival at the Shelby Iron Works, a vibrant celebration filled with vendors, food, music, and a touch of local history.

Each autumn, the community comes together, eagerly anticipating this beloved tradition. The dedicated volunteers at Shelby Iron Works have ensured that one longstanding tradition continues unbroken: the making of sorghum syrup.

Since 1989, a group of dedicated volunteers has been planting sorghum every spring on local plots of land. Jerry Davis generously loans an acre and a half of his land each year, complemented by a backup plot at the Auburn extension. Each fall, those volunteers turn the harvested sorghum into syrup, a practice that has become the heart of the Shelby Iron Works Fall Festival.

The sorghum cooking process, completed over the course of several days, takes place at the old-fashioned syrup mill at the Iron Works. This tradition not only offers a glimpse into the past but also provides a sense of continuity and connection to our heritage. During the Great Depression and World War II, sorghum syrup was a pantry staple, easier to come by than refined white sugar, as it could be cultivated and processed locally.

The Need

Unfortunately, the sorghum shed’s chimney, integral to the syrup-making process, has developed severe cracks and is in dire need of replacement. The cost of the necessary fire bricks, lining, bricks, masonry, and labor is $10,000. Without this crucial repair, we risk losing an essential part of our community’s history and the ability to continue this cherished tradition.

How You Can Help

We are reaching out to our community and history enthusiasts far and wide to help us raise the funds needed to rebuild the sorghum shed chimney. Your support will not only ensure that we can continue making sorghum syrup each year but also preserve a significant piece of Shelby County’s heritage.

Why It Matters

The Shelby County Historical Society is committed to preserving and sharing the rich history of our county. The volunteers who dedicate their time to the sorghum syrup project are part of this history, passing down skills and stories to future generations. Without the chimney, this practice—and the history it embodies—could be lost.

Join Us in Preserving History

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to preserving this unique tradition. Please consider donating to help us reach our $10,000 goal. Together, we can ensure that the sorghum syrup tradition at Shelby Iron Works Park continues for many years to come.

The Shelby County Historical Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) and your donation may be tax deductible.