Ort’s Mill

This mill was allegedly built by George Emig in 1783 but there is some evidence to suggest that Philip Altland built a hemp mill here in 1731. George Emig died in 1845 and his daughter Susan, who was married to George Diehl inherited the property from her father. George and Susan’s daughter, Sarah inherited the mill property from her parents, but the exact date is unknown. 

Sarah Diehl sold the property to Jacob Kunkle in 1885 and a few years later, Jacob sold a half share to brothers, S. Morgan and C. Elmer Smith. S. Morgan Smith is more famous for his turbine manufacturing company.

After S. Morgan Smith’s death in 1907, his heirs and their uncle Elmer sold their shares to William Kling. Kling also acquired Kunkle’s half share. Then, in 1910, Kling sold the property to John A. Ort. Ort would continue to operate the mill until his death in 1931. The milling operations ended after John Ort’s death.

Today the mill is still standing and has been converted to apartments.