Tucked deep within the rolling hills of southern Lancaster County lies a property that holds nearly three centuries of layered history—Drumore Mill. Today, it serves as an exclusive event venue, but long before the sound of wedding music echoed through its rafters or visitors toasted celebrations beside the creek, this site bore witness to generations of millers, freedom seekers, soldiers, and settlers. Its past is as winding as Fishing Creek, the waterway that has powered this property for more than 280 years.
Unraveling the history of Drumore Mill is no easy task. Like many historic properties, it’s a mix of peeling back centuries-old documents, following trails that lead to dead ends, and occasionally discovering a new layer entirely. But that’s what makes it all the more fascinating.
A Mill by Many Names
According to archives from LancasterHistory, a mill has stood at what is now Drumore Mill since 1743, when George McCullough built the first known mill near the mouth of Fishing Creek. By 1748, it was referred to as Cowgill’s Mill, eventually anchoring a small industrial complex that included a sawmill, fulling mill, hemp mill, and distillery.
In 1752, Benjamin Johnson acquired the mill and operated it as a water corn mill. Over the next quarter-century, the property changed hands multiple times, passing through owners including Caleb Johnson, Matt McCally, Joseph and Samuel Morrison, and John Nelson.
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1864 Drumore Township, Lancaster County, PAPrice range: $24.99 through $25.99
Then in 1773, Henry Bausman (also known as Bowman) purchased the property and, in 1789, built a substantial 2.5-story frame mill measuring 35 by 40 feet. Whether Bausman rebuilt the original Cowgill’s Mill or constructed a completely new one on the same site remains unclear. It’s also possible this was an entirely separate mill further downstream. These kinds of ambiguities are common when researching pre-Revolutionary War structures.
By 1796, Jacob Gryder had taken over, operating the site as both a grist and sawmill until 1816. Ownership then passed to Simon Pennock, ushering in a period of stability. The Pennock family maintained control of the mill through 1875, giving the site its alternate historical name—Pennock’s Mill.
A Clue in the Cartography
An 1821 map of Lancaster County shows a mill at the approximate location of the current Drumore Mill labeled “Roger Mill.” Interestingly, there is no known owner named Roger in the property’s ownership records, adding another layer to the site’s cryptic past.
Historian R. Harold Barton, who researched Lancaster’s early mills and bridges throughout the early 20th century, believed that Israel Penrose built the current mill structure in 1842 on the site of McCullough’s original 1743 mill. If correct, this marks yet another significant reconstruction on the property.
Shown here is the 1875 map of Drumore Township.
From Clover Seed to Civil War
During its evolution, the mill served many purposes—from grinding corn to producing clover seed, and later housing a sawmill. A July 24, 1871, edition of the Intelligencer Journal noted the mill’s revival under Granville Pennock after years of inactivity, stating:
“Granville Pennock’s flouring mill, on Fishing Creek, which has been standing idle for a number of years, has been recently repaired and entire new works put in it, and is now in operation, running two sets of burrs.”
In 1899, the mill was purchased by J. Edgar Brown, before eventually coming into the hands of Civil War veteran James Cramer. Cramer, who served in the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, owned and operated the mill until his death in 1922. His obituary in the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer described him as a well-respected community member who passed peacefully at home after supper, seated in his chair beside Fishing Creek.
Cramer’s legacy is still visible today, with property records and sale notices verifying his ownership. His 1936 estate sale marked the end of an era in which the mill functioned as a working component of the local economy.
A Site of Shadows and Secrets
Beyond its industrial past, Drumore Mill holds whispers of a more clandestine legacy. Local oral history and a 2013 Coldwell Banker video listing for the property suggest that the cooper shop once served as a stop along the Underground Railroad. If true, this activity likely occurred during the Pennock family’s ownership, particularly in the years leading up to the Civil War.
Additional lore speaks of a Union lookout post once perched high above the Peach Bottom Slate waterfall, where soldiers could survey the surrounding countryside. According to legend, an inscription was carved into a rock at the site, boldly declaring, “Union forever! Death to traitors!” Whether fully verifiable or not, these stories have become woven into the rich tapestry of Drumore Mill’s legacy, adding layers of depth, mystery, and historical intrigue.
Water-Powered Workhorse
The mill was powered by a modest yet efficient six-foot dam on Fishing Creek. Water passed through a 30-foot headrace to drive a single turbine, then returned to the creek via a 500-foot tailrace. Records note that the mill had the capacity to produce eight barrels per day—a small but steady output for a rural operation.
Restoration and Rebirth
Like many historic mills, Drumore fell into disuse for much of the 20th century. However, thanks to recent private stewardship, the Drumore Mill has been lovingly restored and repurposed as a destination wedding venue and corporate retreat. The buildings have been carefully maintained, and the serene landscape, punctuated by slate cliffs and waterfalls, has been transformed into an unforgettable backdrop for special occasions.
Today, the site remains closed to the general public, except for special invitation-only events.
One Night Only: See the Mill for Yourself
If this history has sparked your curiosity, you’re in luck because on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County is hosting an exclusive Drumore Mill Soirée—your rare chance to explore this privately owned historic treasure.
Enjoy an open bar with heavy hors d’oeuvres from Cracked Pepper catering in a serene historic setting, hear from author Donald Kautz (Mills of Lancaster County) as he shares stories from the property’s past, and tour the grounds of this enchanting 30-acre estate.
🎟 Tickets – Members: $125 | Non-Members: $175. Proceeds support the Trust’s mission to preserve Lancaster County’s historic places. 👉 Click here to reserve your spot.
Whether you’re a history buff, architectural enthusiast, or just someone who loves hidden gems, the Drumore Mill Soirée is your passport to one of Lancaster’s exclusive historic gems.
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Adventure Awaits!
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When I was a young girl, our family used to play at what is now called Drumore Mill. My father, once a student at Northwestrn, knew Doc Evans, the Northwestern professor who lived in the mill’s house in the summertime, when my father was a student at Northwestern. I have seen the rock at the top of the hill across from the mill with the inscription “Death to soldiers. The Union Forever 1863” numerous times and could probably find it for you if you wanted me to. I was told the rock was soft soap stone. Because of the stone’s softness, the inscription might be fading, but I’d be happy to give it a try. Susan Heyn Billipp, daughter of Jean and Bill Heyn who lived in Lancaster. susanhbillipp@gmail.com