"It
amazes me, and makes me proud, to see my family business survive to 100
years. The fact that we have not been pushed out of business by bigger
corporations and development of the land says something about our
abilities to adapt to change. I'm just excited to be a part of such a
rich family history!" -- Elizabeth Rohrer Herr
R. H. Rohrer & Sons is the oldest continuous family owned and operated mill in Lancaster County. Henry S. Rohrer, of Pequea Township, purchased the tract of land in Eden Township, known as "The Camargo Mill Property" in April of 1905. The mill property included a three story brick mill which was built in 1825 by Benjamin and Elizabeth Brenneman, as well as a saw mill and a house.
Henry's son, Ross H. Rohrer, operated and renovated the old mill. Ross, a born miller, put the mill in good condition. He renovated the old building and updated the machinery and equipment.
Ross was one of the first millers in
the area to make whole wheat flour. His flour
drove demand up increasing his trade to include
a carload every week to New York. The mill also
turned out feed, flour and cornmeal.
The flour or grist mill itself was once famous for it's high quality cornmeal. Originally, the mill was used to create cornmeal and flour. People would come from miles away for the grain and flour the Rohrer's produced.
When the mill
was bought in
1905, the original wooden water wheel was
replaced with a steel type wheel. The water wheel
was a Fitz Water Wheel out of Hanover, PA.
Both
Ross' sons,
Henry and Arthur, also worked in the mill. In
1944 Ross and his wife granted the "Camargo mill
Property" to Ross H. Rohrer and Sons trading
partners. Ross died in 1948.
In 1945 Ross bought the current
retail property on State Street and built a more
modern feed
mill. A hardware and farm store was added in
1954. Merchandise in the store were field tools,
barn equipment, electrical supplies, hardware,
and a mower shop. The merchandise was aimed at
providing a one stop supply service for area
farmers. They continued to grind flour at the
Camargo Mill at this time.
The first grandson to enter the business was Gerald Rohrer, son of Arthur B. Rohrer. He worked on and off for several years until finally joining the business full time around 1958. A second grandson, David R. Rohrer, son of Henry B. Rohrer, joined the business in 1968. In 1975, the business was incorporated as Ross H. Rohrer & Sons, Inc.
The feed industry became the primary focus of the business as dairying became more prominent and modernized. The grinding of flour became second and by the mid 1980's was ended altogether. They turned off the machinery and closed the doors. Everything is still intact to this day.
Elizabeth Rohrer Herr, daughter of David R. Rohrer, began working in the office in 1992, when her grandmother, Arline Forbes Rohrer, retired. At that time the supply store was doing little business. Seeing a need in Quarryville for pet supplies, the next couple of years she spent getting rid of the hardware and bringing dog and cat food supplies. The store is now completely devoted to what the industry calls, "companion animals". They carry several brand name premium dog and cat foods, and various supplies like treats, toys, cages, etc. They also have expanded into fish, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, reptile, horse, pet bird and wild bird food and supplies.
Gerald Rohrer retired in 1999 and Robert D. Rohrer, son of David R. Rohrer, joined the company. Robert has a degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and serves as the company's VP and nutritionist. David R. Rohrer is the President of the company.
Today R.H. Rohrer & Sons employs nine people. Three of those nine are family members.
Credit cards accepted.
R. H. Rohrer & Sons, Inc.
16 East State Street,
Quarryville, PA 17566
Phone
717-786-3372
Fax
717-786-0937