Erected between 1744 and 1754, the buildings are made of frame and stone and formed part of the extensive Thomas family holdings in the area.

The mill was built in 1744 under the supervision of Richard Thomas II (1713–1754), grandson of one of the original Quaker colonists to whom William Penn deeded land in Pennsylvania.

The post-in-ground gristmill features massive upright posts to support the upper floors, while sills connect the bays.

[2][3] The gristmill gained value with the construction between 1792 and 1794 of the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, which runs right past the mill (as of 2007 located behind a car dealership).

[3] Powered by a Model T engine, the mill was making apple cider as late as 1957 after two centuries of grinding corn, wheat, oats, and plaster as well as sawing lumber.