Jonny Goodday

Tucked beside the railroad tracks in Rhome, Texas, the Old Mill property has lived more than one life.

It began as part of a working mill tied to the early growth of Wise County. A place connected to grain, flour, local industry, and the kind of small town commerce that helped communities like Rhome take shape.

Over time, the property became more than a mill. It carried connections to Texas history, restoration work, and even the kind of craftsmanship that helped preserve pieces of the state’s identity.

Today, part of that old property has been given a new life as The Grainhouse Tavern, a pair of short term rental suites built inside a restored piece of the mill property. It is not a typical Airbnb. It is a quiet historic stay with old walls, handmade details, and a story that reaches far beyond a weekend getaway.

I spoke with Brian Walker about the history of the Old Mill, the work that went into restoring the Grainhouse Tavern, and the larger vision for what this property could still become. With the right next steward, this place has the potential for even more: a restaurant, coffee shop, event venue, or a one of a kind historic destination in Wise County.

This film is about more than a place to stay.

It is about what happens when someone sees value in an old building and chooses not to let its story disappear.

The Old Mill in Rhome is still standing.

And its next chapter may be just beginning.

On April 28, 2026, a tornado tore through Mineral Wells, Texas, leaving behind a path that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

I spent time in the air over the Country Club area and the old Fort Wolters district, documenting the aftermath. From above, you can see the scale of it. Entire sections torn apart. Roofs gone. Structures opened up in ways they were never meant to be.

But what you don’t see in every frame is just as important.

People helping people. Neighbors showing up. First responders moving fast. A community taking the first steps forward, even while everything still feels fresh.

Saturday night’s storm hit Springtown hard, and I took the drone up to document what it left behind. This system brought destructive winds and an EF-1 tornado was confirmed in the Springtown area.

From above, you can see how fast life can change. Roofs peeled back, trees down, power lines tangled, neighborhoods dealing with damage street by street. And it is not just property. A lot of families are displaced and trying to figure out next steps.

Springtown ISD has paused classes because of the widespread damage and power outages, giving families time to recover and regroup.

If you or someone you know needs relief from the heat or a place to charge devices, the City of Springtown listed cooling stations including Legacy Church and Springtown Church of Christ (pets allowed if crated), and Springtown Baptist Temple. The American Red Cross has also worked to open an overnight shelter at First United Methodist Church in Springtown.

If you can help, check on your neighbors, share these resources, and support local recovery efforts.