Spring Garden Mill
The Spring Garden Mill and the Miller's House (the home next to the Mill) were constructed in 1819, when five acres were sold to a mason who saw the opportunity to power his mill from the waters of the Neshaminy Creek. In 1836, the Mill was advertised: "For rent: Valuable mill consisting of a Grist, Plaster, and Saw-mill with four run of stone, a full supply of water, a store house, a good dwelling and other outbuildings."
In 1867, the Mill burned in a fire that left the building an empty stone shell. It remained that way until 1878, when a new mill interior was built inside the old walls. The front porch was added, and a layer of stucco was applied. By the 1920's, George Tyler had acquired the mill and used it as a gas station in addition to a grain mill.
The Spring Garden Mill has been recognized for its contributions to the surrounding counties as a vital agri-business, and a center of community life for the past 150 years.
Although the building has been converted into a theatre, the original architecture has not been altered. The building remains an important example of a grist mill from the early 1800's.
10 facts about the spring garden mill.
#1 The Mill was built in 1819.
#2 It’s an important example of a United States grist mill (andpart of Bucks County’s history).
#3 The Mill has been our theater home since 1976 (and part of Langhorne Player’s history).
#4 The Mill is owned by Tyler State Park. (You knew that.)
#5 All maintenance of the Mill is Langhorne Players’ responsibility. (You probably didn’t know that.)
#6 The Mill is in need of constant repairs. (You probably noticed that.)
#7 Maintaining the Mill costs a bundle.
#8 Langhorne Players has a tiny budget. (That's why they call it community theater.)
#9 We need your help. (Really.)
#10 You can be the Mill's hero!
Help us beautify the Mill and support the arts at the same time!
Support historic Bucks County and the arts at the same time by making a tax-deductible contribution to Langhorne Players.
Thank you!
2016 Renovation of Mill Facade
The Mill, built in 1819, was in need of stucco repairs, wood replacement, and fresh paint to restore her glory as a valued specimen of an historic Bucks County Mill and the home of Langhorne Players for the last 40 years. The $21,000 project, completed in Fall 2016, was funded by donations large and small from patrons and friends of Langhorne Players as well as two generous grants — $7,000 from Visit Bucks County and $5,000 from the Bucks County Foundation.
“Langhorne Players is proud to have finally completed this project after years of fundraising,” said company President JoAnne Pinto. “We are indebted to our donors for their support of Langhorne Players and live theater in Bucks County, The Spring Garden Mill, and Tyler State Park. It’s a win on so many levels.”
