An interesting shop of contemporary quality crafts located in the converted Grampa Watt's Grist Mill on the picturesque Soque River where visitors young and old can feed the pet trout that live in the river below the mill.

The mill was built in 1931 for grinding grain and corn into meal, utilizing an intricate system by using turbines and the natural flow of water. The mill was built in 1931 for grinding corn and grain, utilizing an intricate system of turbines and the flow of water.

Mark of the Potter was opened in the spring of 1969. For over 30 years the shop has offered quality, handcrafted, contemporary crafts. Our selection includes handmade crafts in wood, metal, and pottery along with hand-blown glass from over 25 artists. Demonstrating artists regularly showcase their skills, and a wide selection of pottery is available. 

The original mill has been restored and a deck has been added to give visitors an excellent view of the falls, and our HUGE native trout. So stop by, feed our famous trout, and take a look around. Located close to hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, waterfalls, cabins, bed & breakfast inns...

Watts Mill History

The first mill located at these shoals on teh Soque River was built in 1821 by Joseph Hill for the production of cornmeal.

The mill ceased operations during the 1920's, ehtn Robert Watts and his father "Grandpa" Watts purchased and re-opened the mill along with a dry goods store across the street.  Letie, Robert's wife began to feed the trout that gathered at the bottom of the shoals where they would feed on spilled cornmeal.

In the 1930's the original Hill's Mill  was taken  down and a new mill constructed.  The mill became a popular stop for travelers on their way to the lakes.

In the 1960's a flood crested the banks of the Soque River and ruined the machinery forcing the closure of the mill as a site for grinding grain.

Watts Mill was re-incarnated in 1969 as the "Mark of the Potter" one year after John and Glen Larowe had moved in and renovated the building as their home, and then a pottery studio.  The Mark of the Potter now has the distinction of being the "oldest craft shop" in Georgia.  Jay Bucek, on of the potters, purchased the Mill from teh Larowe's in 1985 and has continued the Mark of the Poter tradition.

Rumor has it that at one time there was sprouting corn in the attic to make mash for moonshine.  This sprouting process would crack the corn allowing the starches to be converted to sugar.  The corn would soak in water for several days, sprout, and then was dried again before being ground.

Corn mash was likely a common product ground at many of the surrounding mills, but was rarely discussed.  Mark of the potter and other businesses along Scenic 197 pay tribute to this heritage with the Old Moonshine Highway events in April.