Shoemaker-Bosler Mill Site

The first mill on this site was erected in 1746 and was owned and operated by Dorothy Penrose Shoemaker, a descendant of Richard Wall. In 1847, her neighbor and employee Charles Bosler, whose business was hauling grain to the mill and flour to the city, bought the mill, the main house, and 70 additional acres. The business became C. Bosler and Sons when his sons entered it. In the 1880's, they improved the building by expanding the upper floors and adding a cupola in the Second Empire style. In the next decade, they installed a 72 horsepower steam engine capable of producing 150 barrels of flour a day. The mill won first prize at the Pure Food Exposition in 1901 for its Cheltenham A brand of flour. During World War I, the mill changed to electric power and was able to meet the increased demand for special horse feed. The mill closed in 1923 and was demolished in 1927. The Bosler family became well known in the community and held positions in the United States Treasury office, Cheltenham School Board and Board of Commissioners, banks, insurance companies, and the Union League.

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania · United States