Conestoga Valley townlively.com
AUGUST 14, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 34
Mascot Roller Mills, Ressler Family Home steeped in history BY JEFF FALK
A
s L anc a ster Co unt y ’s histor y was evolving , dozens of water-powered, grain-grinding mills dotted the local landscape. Few are left standing, much less still operating, except for maybe one Mascot Roller Mills. That’s what makes Mascot Roller Mills and the Ressler Family Home unique and so intriguing as an attraction. The historic site whisks visitors away to a time 300 years ago when mills supported communities, provided a places for residents to gather and socialize and ground their crops into food. “I really think we sometimes believe that where we are is created out of our own making,” said James Landis, executive director of the Ressler Mills Foundation, which owns and operates Mascot
Roller Mills and the Ressler Family Home. “There is wisdom in the past, and if we can tap into that, we might be able to understand where we’re going and who we are.”
“What’s unique about this mill is that the Ressler family, through wise investments, had the funds to set up a foundation.” “I think the question is, ‘Are we open to experiencing history?’” continued Landis. “There has been history lost here. We’re surrounded by history that’s a mystery. I like to think about all the families who lived here.” As far as Lancaster County
attractions go - for both local and out-of-town history buffs - the site of Mascot Roller Mills and the Ressler Family Home, located at 2280 Stumptown Road, Ronks, is somewhat of a hidden gem. The attraction offers a 30-minute guided tour of the mill and a 30-minute guided tour of the homestead where the mill’s three generations of operators lived. Both are free and open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from May 1 to Oct. 26 this year. The attraction is recognized as a National Historic Site. “It was not unique in the day, and there are other mills in the county,” said Landis. “What’s unique about this mill is that the Ressler family, through wise investments, had the funds to set up a foundation.” Situated on 40 acres at the intersection of Stumptown Road Executive director James Landis stands outside the entrance to Mascot
At Sky Bridge, kids’ imagination knows no boundaries BY JEFF FALK
Kids love to discover. Kids love to be independent. Kids love to think. Kids love Sky Bridge. The High Foundation Sky Bridge, designed and fabricated by Luckey Climbers, is the Lancaster Science Factory’s latest hands-on exhibit for young learners. It represents the best kind of ingenuity, the kind that inspires
others to be creative. “More than learning, it’s about inspiring children,” said Amanda Bakay, the Lancaster Science Factory’s director of programs and communications. “When they see it and get inside of it, they start to realize they could create something like this one day. It sparks an idea like, ‘What did someone have to do to think this thing up?’” Part jungle gym, part science See Sky Bridge pg 3
Variety show projects Leola community fun BY JEFF FALK
Singers must sing. Teachers must teach. Players must play. And performers must perform. L ots of per for ming and entertaining will occur at the upcoming Fun in Leola Variety Show. It’s a community fundraiser whose proceeds will benefit the event’s host, community-driven Zion Lutheran Church. “(Performing) is what I’m
Organizer and magician Tait Harbaugh, or Papa Tater, will serve as the
See Variety show pg 2 master of ceremonies for the Fun in Leola Variety Show.
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See Mascot Roller Mills pg 2 Roller Mills.