For three generations, from 1865 until 1977, William Ressler (1819-1892) and his descendants owned and operated the Mascot Mills. Each generation of Resslers made the mill their livelihood, and the village of Mascot their home.
Today, skilled craftsmen take pride in maintaining the equipment at peak efficiency as the mill continues to grind corn daily for our guests. Knowledgeable guides delight in making milling a living occupation and are happy to answer your questions and provide enthralling anecdotes about the mill’s rich history.
You are invited to walk along the shaded banks of Mill Creek and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the tables provided by the Township near the dam that creates a peaceful bird sanctuary and popular spot for local anglers. Watch as the nearby head race sends water cascading through the gates to the turbines under the mill that drive the historic equipment located inside. Explore the inner workings of the fully operational Mascot Roller Mills and experience Lancaster County history at its finest.
William J. Morton Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary
The Ressler Mill Foundation is committed to the care of its William J. Morton Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, which occupies approximately five acres on the east side of mill creek north of Newport Road, just northeast of the Mascot Roller Mill. Recently, the Foundation obtained the public park area on the opposite side of Mill Creek, formerly owned by Upper Leacock Twp., and looks forward to maintaining the pleasant surroundings there.
The bird sanctuary was established in large part by the late William J. Morton, working on behalf of the Foundation. Morton was long a director of the Foundation, and the passionate concern he had for the organization was reflected in his devotion to the sanctuary. He was instrumental in the sanctuary’s development, from its beginnings in the late 1980’s until his death in 1992, and took great pleasure in enriching the bird-friendly habitat there.
In the course of time an estimated 89 species of birds have been spotted at the sanctuary, and it is the everyday haunt of Canada geese, tree- and barn swallows, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, chimney swifts, various woodpeckers, cedar waxwings, goldfinches, chickadees, catbirds and herons. Snapping turtles and painted turtles inhabit the grounds as well, along with raccoons, opossums and other wildlife. Visitation is encouraged, but from the park side of the creek so that the plants and animals are not disturbed.