For longer than most people can remember the mere mention of “The Jug” in Tyler County brings back memories of a once popular gathering place. At one time travelers could stop, fill their car with fuel and order something homemade from the menu.  And, if they were to listen, they might hear locals telling stories of the good old days. Perhaps the two regulars would talk of the swinging bridge that crossed into the deep woods beyond the man made spillway. Visitors to the Jug often paused to enjoy the beauty of the passing waters of Middle Island Creek.

Early in the 1800s, a man named George Gregg saw a business opportunity. He diverted the creeks flowing water from its long trip around the peninsula shaped landscape known as the handle of the jug. His plan would provide power to a grain mill he was wanting to build. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not like his cutting three miles off the creeks natural journey. Gregg’s mill and those that came later were all carried away by flood waters.

Today, the Jug overlooks the cut in the creek and bears silent witness to the changes time and water have brought to the area around the historical landmark. The once bustling gathering place shows its age as it waits for someone to visit and tell stories of yesteryear. The nearby cable bridge that once carried the adventuresome into the dark woods, has long ago fell away into the clutches of time. And Mother Nature continues her efforts to push away the sandstones of the spill way in her persisting struggles to ease her journey to the far Ohio River.  History will remember that in this place man tried to tame the waters of Middle Island Creek and failed. But, history will also remember that good people gathered in a place called “The Jug” while sharing joy and friendship.

Chuck Clegg

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