New Owner/Miller at Wade’s Mill
The phrase “take your turn” is an old milling term that refers to the next person waiting at the mill to have their grain ground by the turning of the millstones. On February 28, April Anderson takes her turn as the new owner and miller at Wade’s Mill.
When John and Karen Siegfried bought Wade’s Mill in July 2016, they had a vision and plans for the business. But they also knew they were becoming not just owners, but custodians of a Virginia landmark, taking their place in a chain that goes back to the Borden Grant, with a historic building dating back to the mid-1700s.
For the next several years, the Siegfrieds focused their energy and resources on growing the business and developing the property. John’s first task was to get all the historic milling equipment back in place and operational, which now runs for demonstration purposes as part of free tours on weekend mornings. The Siegfrieds then updated and furnished the c. 1820-1840s creek side log cabin for short-term rental, created gardens with picnic areas and walking paths along Ott’s Creek, and painted and updated the c. 1850s Miller’s House.
Their most recent project was the renovation of the former Patterson Mill, which was relocated to the property from Hays Creek in 1906 as a barn, to create an events venue. John and Karen appreciated that mills had been a focal point for their community, where neighbors would gather and share news while waiting their “turn”. So, in addition to being available to rent for private events, the Siegfrieds made the barn and attached pavilion available for community events and several local non-profit fundraisers. The barn and pavilion also house the “tasting room” and bands for the annual Wade’s Mill Apple Butter Festival in October.
And then about 18 months ago, the Siegfrieds reached what they thought was a good transition point. The business was going strong and growing each year, with a variety of revenue streams. They decided that someone with a fresh vision and new energy would be able to take full advantage of the growing business and expanded property, as well as take on the physical aspect of milling with new vigor.
Given the unique nature of the business, the Siegfrieds started a considered process of looking for a new owner, wanting to make sure it was the right fit. Their priority was to find someone who not only wanted to continue the milling business, but who was also willing to step into the role of caretaker of the Wade’s Mill legacy. They also wanted to keep things close to home and create an opportunity for a local entrepreneur from the next generation.
So it is with great pleasure that John and Karen announce that from February 28, April Anderson, through her business Cele(brau)tory (t)ales, will be the new owner, miller and custodian of Wade’s Mill.
April is a Shenandoah Valley native, born and raised in Timberville, and has lived in Rockbridge County for the last 12 years. She started her career in Napa Valley, CA, working with multiple chefs and hospitality executives, where she was initially exposed to the rising Northern California craft beverage movement. April has spent over 20 years in the craft beer industry, ranging from production and brewing to consulting and raw ingredient sales, having the opportunity to travel throughout the US and Canada touring barley fields and various raw ingredient production facilities. Most recently she has been involved with helping set up and assist with brewing at Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery. The Siegfrieds felt April’s combination of experience in the food, craft beverage and hospitality industries would be a perfect fit for the Mill.
For many years, April has been driving past the Mill on her commute to Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery just up the road. She has been drawn to Wade’s Mill ever since its beauty and history captured her imagination at her first sight. Her new role will build upon her years of experience, and she looks forward to bringing her meticulous attention to quality and service and her hospitality skills to the business. April plans to continue business as usual while expanding the events side of the portfolio. Future plans include opening an inn in the Miller’s house.
Over the past several months, April has been working with John to learn the craft of milling. As part of the transition, John will continue to work with April for the next few months. John and Karen are confident that April will be a huge success, bringing new ideas and energy to this unique business while preserving Wade’s Mill’s history, role in the community and contribution to the regional grain economy.
The Siegfrieds will continue to live just up the hill from the Mill and will be available to support April in any way. They are excited to see April’s plans come to fruition right in their “front yard”. John and Karen note that during their ownership of Wade’s Mill, a key element of their enjoyment of running the business, and of their success, was their customers and the Wades Mill community…for which they are grateful.
For her part, April is honored to be the new caretaker of Wade’s Mill. She feels blessed to have this opportunity to carry on Wade’s Mill historic role and is so glad it’s now her turn at the Mill.