Pottstown Roller Mills, located at 625 Industrial Highway in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, celebrated an impressive milestone of 300 years in business on October 17, 2025. This remarkable achievement positions it among the oldest continuously operated businesses in the United States. The celebration not only honored the company’s rich history but also recognized the contributions of the Saylor family, who have managed the business for generations.
The event brought together members of the fourth and sixth generations of the Saylor family, along with local officials, employees, and community members. They gathered to express gratitude to the loyal customers who have supported the mill over the centuries. The celebration included a ribbon-tying ceremony, refreshments, and commemorative merchandise, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and appreciation.
Founded in 1725, Pottstown Roller Mills originally served farmers and settlers along the banks of the Schuylkill River, predating the official founding of Pottstown in 1752 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence by 51 years. The mill played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War, supplying grain and flour to General George Washington’s Continental Army while they camped at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777-78.
Doug Saylor, the current owner and a fourth-generation operator, reflected on his lifelong connection to the business. “I started working here when I was about 12, doing a lot of cleaning out the bins,” he shared with a smile. His granddaughter, Brooke Saylor, spearheaded the anniversary celebration, aiming to honor both the family legacy and her grandfather’s contributions.
The event also served as a tribute to Henry “Hank” Saylor, Doug’s father and a third-generation family member who dedicated 68 years to the business before passing away in May at the age of 95. Local officials, including Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick, recognized the lasting impact of the Saylor family on the community. During the ceremony, she presented a proclamation declaring October 17, 2025, as Pottstown Roller Mills Day, highlighting the mill as “a living part of our town’s soul.”
In her remarks, Henrick emphasized the mill’s significance, stating, “It stands as a place where generations purchased their first garden seeds, chicks, and ducklings, and where the bonds of neighborliness, trust, and history have flourished for 300 years.”
The celebration also included a proclamation from the Pennsylvania State Senate, presented by State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, further affirming the mill’s historical importance.
Despite the joyous atmosphere of the anniversary, it comes with a bittersweet note; Pottstown Roller Mills is currently listed for sale. A real estate sign now stands along Industrial Highway, indicating the family’s transition after three centuries of ownership. Brooke Saylor mentioned that the property has been on the market for a short time, emphasizing the hope that the new owners will continue the legacy of the business. She confirmed that Pottstown Roller Mills will remain operational until it secures a buyer.
Throughout its three centuries, Pottstown Roller Mills has evolved from a grain supplier into a community hub, offering a diverse range of products including feed, garden supplies, and mulch. As the Saylor family reflects on their rich history, the future remains uncertain, but the legacy of Pottstown Roller Mills is firmly rooted in the hearts of the community.
