Today the door now locked for the mill's own protection and for the curious passers by. Only the chestnut board sluice box which carried water from the earthen and stone mill race and emptied it onto the water wheel had deteriorated over the years. Over time the sluice box eventually deteriorated, eventually collapsed and rotted away. The restoration should be completed in June of 2000. Jack Dellinger has already ground a few pounds of corn meal for his friends.
Local farmers plan to once again take corn to the mill for grinding.
The restoration has also inspired a Renaissance of sorts in nearby Bakersville, where restoration of homes and public buildings, including the courthouse, is now underway. Reuben from 1867 to 1895, Dave from 1874 to 1936, and Marve from 1902 until 1955. Dellinger's Mill will be open to the public, but visitors might want to check first with the Dellingers for hours of operation. The Official Dellinger Grist Mill Web Site.