F. M. Brown & Sons, Inc.
Berks Co. | Pennsylvania | USA
Watersource: Willow Creek/Steam/ Elec.
F. M. Brown & Sons, Inc.
On Pa 662 approaching Fleetwood from the south, continue on Richmond St. to W. Locust. Turn left, go into the mill complex from the railroad track side and the mill continues over to W. Main Street; the address is 118 W. Main St.
This merchant mill of 1885 is 50'x50' brick painted white and stands 3 stories tall, the 3rd story being part of a mansard roof. There are many additions to the original structure to enable the enterprise to compete in the modern day world of milling. It was still operating in October 1992.
Initially operating as the Fleetwood Eagle Roller Flour Mill, it was built by Lewis Wannerand Joel, William & Henry Schaeffer. It operated day and night, producing whiter flour with brand names: Purity Flour and White Rose Flour. In 1895, they were producing Pantry White Rose Flour.
Somewhere between 1885 and 1900, the mill converted from steam to electricity. The enterprise changed it's name to Schaeffer-Wanner & Co. with a complete line of lumber, coal, feeds and grain. The Schaeffer-Wanner Co. purchased the then Triumph Flour Roller & Coal business (the former Schaeffer-Wanner Grist Mill/Old Fleetwood Grist Mill) in 1900.
The entire milling complex of Schaeffer-Wanner Co. Inc. was bought out by F.M.Brown,Inc. in 1947. An addition was built on to the existing mill and silos added for grain storage. The coal yard was discontinued in 1962. The flour making mechanizations were removed in 1967. In 1970, the mill was enlarged and modernized to keep up with competitors facilities. Still in business in a big way in Fleetwood, Pa. in 2006.
The Fleetwood freight railway station is pictured on the left of the mill complex.