WAYNESBORO – The multi-year restoration of the 19th-century Royer Flour Mill on the grounds of the Renfrew Museum and Park is nearing completion, although park officials say additional funding is needed for the mechanical parts.
Becky LaBarre, executive director of the Renfrew Museum and Park, and Laurie Hovermale, Renfrew board president, reported to Wayesboro Rotarians last week on progress on the project to build a working 19th-century-style gristmill on Renfrew property. A mill was built on the property in 1807, but was abandoned in 1909 and fell into disrepair.
According to Rotarian Dade Royer, who formerly chaired the Renfrew board, the idea of building a new mill was incorporated into Renfrew's long-term plan. This became a reality when local benefactor James Luty provided $500,000 in seed capital.
Waynesboro Rotarian Don Smith, architect of the project, discussed some of the details of the construction. The first phase of the project, which includes a three-story mill building, a pump house with toilets and a machine room, is now complete. The three-story building will feature a fully functional mill powered by a single water wheel.
But the cost of the entire project, estimated at $2.2 million before the pandemic, had risen to $5 million. Phase two, which will bring the mill's moving parts into operation, is not currently funded, LaBarre said. About $1.5 million still needs to be raised, officials said.
Educational programs at the site using the already completed facilities are expected to begin in 2025, Hovermale said.
Interested individuals can donate to the project online at www.renfrewmuseum.org/mill, by phone at 717-762-4723 or by check made payable to Renfrew Museum and Park, 1010 E. Main St., Waynesboro 17268.