WAYNESBORO – The multi-year restoration of the 19th century Royer grist mill on the Renfrew Museum and Park property is coming closer to fruition, though additional funds are needed for the mechanical parts, according to park officials.
Becky LaBarre, Renfrew Museum and Park executive director, and Laurie Hovermale, Renfrew board president, told Wayesboro Rotarians last week about the progress made on the project to create a working 19th century style grist mill on Renfrew property. A mill was built on the property in 1807 but was abandoned in 1909 and had fallen into ruin.
According to Rotarian Dade Royer, who formerly led the Renfrew board, the idea to build a new mill was put on the Renfrew long-range plan. It became a reality when local benefactor James Luty provided a $500,000 seed grant.
Waynesboro Rotarian Don Smith, architect for the project, discussed some of the construction details. Phase One of the project, including a three-story mill building, a pump house containing restrooms and a mechanical room now has been completed. The three-story structure will have fully functioning millworks driven by a single waterwheel.
But the cost of the entire project, estimated at $2.2 million prior to the pandemic, had swollen to $5 million. Phase Two, which will get the moving parts at the mill up and running, is not funded at present, LaBarre said. About $1.5 million is remaining to be raised, officials have said.
Educational programs at the site, using the facilities already completed, are expected to start in 2025, Hovermale said.
Interested persons can donate to the project online at www.renfrewmuseum.org/mill, by phone at 717-762-4723 or by check payable to “Renfrew Museum and Park,” 1010 E. Main St., Waynesboro 17268.
