06/28/2006 | W4DRC The Dalton Amateur Radio Club Field Day was located once again at Praters Mill just north of Dalton, Georgia using the club call W4DRC A get together at Kurts restaurant at 8:30AM for breakfast started the day and we were on our way to set-up at 9:30AM.
Praters Mill a historic site with heritage that runs back to the days of the Cherokee Indians. Built by Benjamin Franklin Prater in 1855, the water powered mill was originally fitted with the latest in grain cleaning, grinding and sifting machinery, all powered by the Coahulla Creek.

As the mill's popularity grew, Prater added a cotton gin, a sawmill, a wool Carter (device that combs sheep wool), a syrup mill, a general store and blacksmiths shop. For almost a century, farmers lined up their mules and wagons before dawn, waiting for their turn with the millers. Today there would be wires in the sky and modern day communications equipment.
Everything started out as a normal event. All were busy stringing up dipoles for all the HF bands, assembling a VHF antenna, setting up the club radios inside the general store, erecting the picnic shelter, and preparing lunch and supper festivities.
The announcement was made for lunch. Set-up was almost complete. After some great Barbecue ribs and fixings, it was back to the final operating preparations.
All on schedule at 2:PM, with 4 HF transceivers, a get on the air station, and VHF station. Contacts were being made. Action was light on 10 meters but 20 was good. Attempts to make a satellite contact were so close, hearing the call for the W4 station before loosing the satellite signal.
The local news paper reporter was interviewing and did a good article on the event. A few more contacts and it was time for our club meeting to begin. One more break with food waiting, we shut down the generator.
As we were enjoying another great meal, the clouds began to thicken. Rumbles of thunder were heard and reports of rain were relayed to us. Bill Henderson (KU4DO) DARC club president quickly ask if anyone was staying the night. Although in years past we have stayed all night and some had planned to operate until the next day, the threat of a severe thunderstorm had everyone taking down faster than it all went up.
Just as everything was packed up about 7:30PM, there was light rain. We had demonstrated our effectiveness to set up and take down efficiently in a needed situation. While leaving the site, heavy rain and damaging winds accompanied the storm.
Field Day 2006 will be another unique memorable event. We had 26 signed in at lunch and 32 at supper. Although operating time was cut short, we accomplished many goals. Bottom line: we had a safe and fun Field Day. -- WI4L