Ep 2. Washington Mill

In Salvage Dawgs season 1 episode 2, the team sets out to salvage items from the historic Washington Mill located in Lawrenceville, Virginia. The mill, which dates back to the 18th century, was used for grinding wheat and corn until it closed down in 1951. The Salvage Dawgs crew is tasked with salvaging as many valuable items as possible from the mill before it is demolished.

The episode begins with the Salvage Dawgs crew arriving at the mill and assessing the building's structure. They quickly realize that there is more to the mill than meets the eye and that it will take a lot of work to salvage everything of value.

One of the first items they come across is an antique wooden corn sheller. The sheller, which was used to separate corn kernels from the cob, is in remarkably good condition and is quickly added to their salvage list. They also find an old cider press, which would have been used to make apple cider, and a leather bellows used to keep the grist mill's fire burning.

As they explore the mill, the team comes across several other interesting items, including an old metal wheel used to power the mill and a wooden hopper used to feed grain into the grinding stones. They also find a massive wooden beam that is more than 20 feet long and weighs over a ton. The beam is so large that the team must use a forklift to move it outside.

Despite the age and condition of many of the items they find, the Salvage Dawgs crew is determined to salvage as much as possible. They carefully dismantle each item, taking care not to damage anything in the process. They also use their experience and expertise to identify which items are most valuable and in the best condition.

As they work, the Salvage Dawgs team learns more about the history of the mill and the importance it played in the local community. They discover that the mill was once a vital part of the local economy, providing flour and cornmeal to nearby towns and villages. They also come across a framed photograph of the original mill owner, which they decide to keep as a memento of their salvage efforts.

Throughout the episode, the Salvage Dawgs crew faces several challenges, including a severe thunderstorm that hits the area while they are in the midst of the salvage operation. Despite the setbacks, they persevere and manage to salvage an impressive amount of valuable items from the mill, including a large collection of antique tools and equipment.

In the end, the Salvage Dawgs crew leaves the Washington Mill site with a sense of pride and accomplishment. They have salvaged items of historical and cultural significance and helped preserve a piece of local history for generations to come. The episode serves as a testament to their passion for salvage and their commitment to preserving the past.