Hellertown Grist Mill Added to National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places now includes a beloved Hellertown landmark: the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill.

The Hellertown Historical Society–which maintains the structure–announced the honor in a news release Wednesday.

“The designation, confirmed in August 2025 by the National Park Service, recognizes the site’s architectural, cultural and historical significance dating back to the mid-18th century,” it noted. “The listing on the NRHP highlights the enduring importance of the mill site and secures its place as one of Pennsylvania’s notable historic landmarks.”

The mill was built in 1761 by Simon Heller and was later owned by Christopher “Stoffel” Wagner, which is how it acquired its name. It stands on W. Walnut Street, near the Saucon Rail Trail, adjacent to the borough’s Grist Mill Park.

“This recognition is a milestone not only for the Historical Society but for the entire Hellertown community,” said HHS President Donald Mills. “The grist mill connects us to the lives of those who built this town more than 250 years ago. Being included in the National Register ensures that future generations will understand and appreciate the role this site played in shaping our region’s history.”

The news release noted that the process of having the grist mill added to the register took approximately three years and involved historians, volunteers and the historic preservation firm Artefact Inc. A $10,000 Keystone grant was also obtained in support of the application, and financial support for it was provided by the Borough of Hellertown and individual donors.

“Research was first initiated by HHS volunteer Chip Wagner, a direct descendant of Stoffel Wagner, who gathered critical background information before the project was advanced by the HHS Board,” the release said. “The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission unanimously endorsed the nomination in June 2025 before forwarding it to the National Park Service for final approval.”

The Heller-Wagner Grist Mill isn’t the only listed landmark in the neighborhood, either. It is located directly across the street from another structure that was recently added to the NHRP. The Walnut Street Bridge or “Pony Bridge” as it is colloquially known is a rare 1860 cast iron span that was added to the list in 2023.

Several other Saucon Valley area landmarks have achieved the same recognition, including the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse in Lower Saucon Township.

The Hellertown Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history and heritage of Hellertown. Since its founding in 1981, the society has connected thousands of people to the borough’s past through tours, student activities and events.

The society’s headquarters are located at the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill Complex, which includes the Tavern Room; a restored Colonial-era event space that is located on the first floor of the grist mill.

For more information about HHS, visit Hellertownhistoricalsociety.org.