Welcome To Dyerstown

This hamlet is named for John Dyer, an English Quaker from Gloucestershire, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1714, with his wife and children. After staying in Philadelphia for three and one-half years, John Dyer purchased 300 acres from a pioneer settler named Thomas Brown, who lived in a log house further back in the Plumstead woods.

Being a miller and probably, a millwright, by trade, John Dyer began to build his gristmill. In those days, gristmills were not constructed in a month or even a year. The large wooden shafts, perfectly adjusted cogwheels, waterwheels and finely dressed fieldstone were all crafted by hand. John Dyer cut his own timber from the surrounding forest, and let nature season the hewn logs and planks.

Local historians believe that Dyers Mill began operating in 1722. Also in 1722, the “great road” from Philadelphia to Horsham was expanded to run through Dyerstown and eventually, to Easton. There is no doubt that John Dyer had an important influence on the construction and expansion of that road.

During the Revolutionary War years, the Dyers were reputed to be very loyal patriots. There is a claim that Dyers Mill furnished flour to Washington’s Army while it lay encamped June 20 and 21, 1778 on the nearby hill at “Doyltown,” on its march from Valley Forge to the Jerseys.

Indeed, we are fortunate to have first-hand accounts about life in the area during this time period. The diary of John Dyer, Jr., covers the years from 1763 through 1805. For example, on April 21, 1770, he wrote that “whip-poor-wills were singing in Dyerstown.” His October 24, 1774 entry states that “several bears killed in and around the woods of Dyerstown.”

The mill stayed in the Dyer family for generations. As the gristmill continued its operation, a post office and general store were also added to the building on March 1, 1883. The last active miller at Dyers Mill was Charles Beaumont. As new age milling techniques were developed, the days of gristmills such as Dyers Mill were on the wane.

A new opportunity for the mill came with the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment and the end of Prohibition. The old mill was transformed into and inn and named the Waterwheel Tavern. For nearly fifty years, it was a destination for both local folks and out-of-town travelers. Although there have been structural and cosmetic changes to the building over the years, the history and feeling of the old mill, as a gather place, has not been altered.

As new owners of the historic building, we are humbled and honored to continue the tradition of what this Inn has always represented to the area. As the Inn’s 300’s birthday approaches, we are committed to its preservation, and to provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for you… our guest!

Thanks for your patronage. We look forward to serving your needs today and in the future.

Kenny and Mickey