Monkton, Maryland, is a community rich in history and heritage. A few weeks ago, I did a piece profiling Inverness Brewery, which, along with many other historic sites in Monkton, is included as part of My Lady’s Manor Historic District. For this Flashback Friday Feature, I will be reviewing the multifaceted history behind Manor Mill, the mill that started the community we know today as Monkton, Maryland.
A Brief Background
Manor Mill was built in 1742 on the location of what was, at the time, known as the Fruitful Valley land grant. As the story goes, Thomas Brerewood, owner of the entire site, leased Lot 70 to Jacob Bull, requiring him to build a mill on his portion. Eventually, there would come to be two mills that were built on the land. The latter, however, was disassembled in the early 20th Century. The original still stands. And it is the one we know today as Manor Mill.
In 1756, Jacob Bull, alternately referred to as “Old Jacob,” left his water mill and 188 acres to his son Isaac. Isaac Bull sold the tract, along with his interest in another mill seat, to Thomas Harris 13 years later. In 1770, Harris deeded it to Adam Hoopes, who died the next year, bequeathing the property to his widow, Elizabeth Hoopes. Mrs. Hoopes, in turn, sold the land to her husband’s nephew, Robert Cummins (sometimes spelled Cummings). By several accounts, it was he who first used the name “Monckton Mills” to describe the community in a letter written July 19, 1773. There are several theories surrounding the origin of the town’s name.
Manor Mill emerged as the economic driving force that jump-started community settlement in these parts. Grist mills, in general, have historically been known for being the foundational center around which emerging towns thrived. This was the place to come and buy wheat and other ground grains. Despite passing hands in ownership several other times over, grist mill operations continued onsite here until around 1950.
Secondary Stints
The mill later discovered new life when Rodney O. Fields assumed ownership of the site. Here, he operated his antique shop up until 2004, at which time Curtis and Joann Shearer purchased the property from him, hoping to restore what had started to deteriorate into disarray (especially following storm and significant flood damage in 1978).
The Shearers went on to establish Millstone Cellars—an artisanal cidery and the mill’s third incarnation. The cidery was a notable spot for more than a decade, renowned for using apples from Maryland and Pennsylvania orchards. Operations on location eventually closed, however, back in 2017.
The Next Great Gig
The property’s current owner, Angelo Otterbein, purchased the site in 2019. Again, extensive renovations got underway to restore the mill (efforts remain ongoing) while also reviving it with a new purpose. Let it be known, however, that its new purpose has something in common with its original in that it retains the enduring spirit of community connectedness and socialization. Manor Mill now operates as a thriving creative hub offering hands-on classes, workshops, special events, and a wide range of other versatile and novelty experiences. Some offerings are geared to certain ages, interests, and specific groups, but rest assured, there’s something for everyone here.
Explore the impressive resident fine arts gallery, which spans three floors and showcases a diverse range of creative works by talented local artists. The first floor features a small shop laden with unique products and goods made locally, as well as directly in-house.
Classes here span a diverse array of disciplines. Yoga and other wellness/fitness/mind-balance classes are available to all skill levels.
The barn and other outbuildings offer multiple opportunities to get your hands dirty, including woodworking, welding, and more. Then there’s also onsite art creating events, pottery making, painting, performance/movement activities, dance, etc. It’s no wonder Manor Mill was voted “Best of Baltimore” for “Cornucopia of Classes” in 2024.
In addition to classes and workshops, Manor Mill plays host to live performances by individuals and organizations alike. The opportunities are countless, to say the least.
As Manor Mill played such a crucial role in shaping the community of Monkton, today you will find many other historic structures comprising the My Lady Manor Historic District. One such notable callout is the nearby Monkton Hotel, built in 1858.
Currently under the same ownership as Manor Mill, here you will find the stellar Monkton Hotel Café, offering delicious coffee, scrumptious breakfasts, and baked goods.
They also offer long and short-term rentals via private rooms, along with their unique Fisherman’s Lodge accommodation. Manor Mill has its own rental home as well—the Miller’s House. Both can be booked on Airbnb.
Both Manor Mill and Monkton Hotel are open to the public on specified days of the week. Manor Mill is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Monkton Hotel Café is currently operating Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visit the Manor Mill homepage or Monkton Hotel Café website to learn more.