Springdale Mills
Also known as: Shank's Mill
Why it's listed
Built in 1857 by Christian Stouffer, this three and one-half story banked brick grist mill rests on a coursed fieldstone foundation beside a dam and millrace near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Its water is delivered to an overshot wheel twenty-four feet in diameter, believed to date from around 1900 to 1910, through a headrace and sluiceway. The building retains original shafting and pulleys, and its buhrstone, imported from France, is still in use. Its owners have changed the name several times, from Springdale Mills to Shockey Mills in 1928 and then to Shank's Mill after Wilmer Shank bought it in 1932. The mill is regarded as a typical mid-nineteenth century waterpower mill in the region and is described as one of the few such grist mills still operating in south-central Pennsylvania. A second-floor room, used by travelling guests, still carries pencil quotes and graffiti left by those who stayed there.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the mill is significant as a typical mid-nineteenth century waterpower grist mill in the area, and notes it is one of the few remaining waterpower grist mills still operating in south-central Pennsylvania. It retains original operating parts, including shafting, pulleys and an imported French buhrstone still in use. A small second-floor room used by travellers, with pencil quotes and graffiti left by guests, is also cited as a point of interest.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 75001642, listed September 18, 1975. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | SE of Waynesboro off PA 16 on Amsterdam Rd., Waynesboro |
|---|---|
| County | Franklin County |
| Listed | September 18, 1975 |
| Reference number | 75001642 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1857 |
| Architect / builder | Christian Stouffer (builder) |
| Areas of significance | Industry |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and still grinding flour. |
| Acreage | 6 |
| Coordinates | 39.73480, -77.54847 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 75001642.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7580850
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.