As one begins to explore the history of these water powered industrial centers, the complexity, ingenuity, and productivity of the mills is truly awe inspiring. Below is an educational sign that will be located at the Mill created by Alan Beauregard, an archeologist and FHHM board member through his original research. Sign design by Design House, Marla Rozyckie.
Mills on the Conodoguinet Creek
Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Mill Foundation. Resslermill.org
The Ressler/Mascot Mill in Ronks , Lancaster County Pa. is a wonderful example of a Roller Mill very similar in design to the Diller Heishman Mill. The Mill dates to the 1730’s and was purchased by the Ressler Family in 1865. The site, which is owned and managed by the Ressler Mill Foundation, includes the family home next to the Mill. Through the efforts of this family foundation, the Mill has been preserved in working condition and also serves as an educational center for the surrounding community.
As part of their restoration efforts, the foundation completed detailed drawings of the machinery and produced a three page overview of how wheat was milled using similar machinery to the DIller Heishman Mill. FHHM would like to thank the Ressler Mill Foundation for making these drawings available to us as well as hosting us for a very helpful tour of the Mill. The three drawings show the complexity of the many steps it took to turn wheat from local farmers into a finished flour product.
Milling Technology Then and Now
Snavely’s Mill : A Family Owned Milling Company that adapted to Modernization www.snavelysmill.com
The Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) visited Snavely’s Mill in Mill Hall Pennsylvania, one of the Mills this family run company operates. It was very interesting to note the similarities between the 1920 era Heishman’s Mill Machinery and some of the most modern and efficient milling machines used at Snavelys Mill. SPOOM is an all volunteer organization that offers education and collaboration between mill owners. Consider becoming a member of this wonderful organization. Spoom’s National website www.spoom.org and also the mid atlantic chapter of SPOOM www.spoommidatlantic.org Below are pictures of the modern milling equipment as well as the similar 1920 equipment at the Diller Heishman Mill.
