Spengler Mill (1797)
The Old Mill Restaurant (1938)
Fraternal Order of Eagles #4186
499 Stover Avenue
The Old Mill, now under the ownership of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #4186, will open its doors to the public for the 2022 Christmas Homes Tours. Built between 1797 and 1804 by the Spengler family, this iconic landmark has witnessed much of Strasburg's history from its days as a working flour mill through its many years as a beloved local restaurant and entertainment spot. During the Civil War it was saved from burning by having been requisitioned by the Union Army for the production of its flour. Remnants of the names of Civil War soldiers can still be seen written on a beam on the ground floor room. Built of local limestone, the east wall next to the overshot waterwheel was constructed of wood as it absorbed the vibration from the turning wheel and in the event of a dust explosion would explode outward, limiting damage to the rest of the building. In 1938, the Mill was bought and renovated by the George Pappas family and opened as a restaurant. It was in continuous operation under George Pappas, who ran it into old age along with his son, Mitchell and daughter-in-law Peggy. His first cousin, Tommy Hart, was the cook for many years. The Old Mill was the place to go for dining, dancing and community celebrations under a number of different managers for nearly seventy years. You will recognize the Old Mill from days of old. Other than the construction of a large bar on the ground floor built by members of the Eagles, and a few modern upgrades on the mill level, the stone walls and fireplaces, beams and original floors are still intact. The mill wheel is visible through a glass window on the east wall of the lower floor, and as the Eagles are committed to restoring it to working conditions, they are currently fundraising to that end. Many photographs and records of the old mill history will be on display and you will be welcomed to share your stories and memories as well.