Guenst Historic Sawmill

History of the Historic Guenst Sawmill

In the decades after early settlers came to West Rockhill Township, there would become a great demand for lumber in Pennsylvania, Saw mills would follow the path of settlement as lumber became a primary industry for building homes, barns and furniture. It would remain a major industry until the early 20th century. Saw mills were an intricate part of this Township, County, and State and their history should not be forgotten.

The Historic Guenst Sawmill has been in the township for well over 100 years and helped to nurture this township into what it is today.  Charles Guenst Sr. arrived in West Rockhill Township in 1898 and purchased a small farm on Butter Creek Road. Charles was a Millwright by trade and ran an “up and down” sawmill as well as a stone crushing mill. The family subsequently moved to the village of Ridge Valley in 1912 where they continued to mill stone and wood… now with an upgraded movable “circular saw”. Charles’s son Ernest and grandson Charlie continued to operate this sawmill until Charlie’s passing in 2020.

Three generations and 114 years later, this historic sawmill is still in existence and has been generously donated by the Guenst family to the West Rockhill Historical Society. The Society wishes to recognize this sawmill (and honor the Guenst family) for its unique history and contribution to the culture and economic makeup of the township.

The Guenst family has helped build this township in ways that are still being discovered. Ernest was a Road Supervisor and Township Supervisor in the mid 1950’s. His son Charlie was an icon in West Rockhill. Charlie, as an avid hunter & fisherman, was instrumental in organizing the yearly fishing derby for kids in James Memorial Park. Charlie was recognized for his notable efforts in the township with the installation of a bird blind dedicated to his memory.

As a Veteran of Foreign Wars, Charlie also championed efforts in organizing and securing funding for the Veterans Memorial located in James Memorial Park.  Charlie was an active member and sat on the board of the West Rockhill Historical Society’s Heritage House Museum and helped in the acquisition of artifacts.

Naceville Materials has stepped forward to give us our first donation towards preserving this structure. Thanks to Tony’s Services, the saw mill was relocated in October 2025 from its original location to the Heritage House Complex and was shrink wrapped by Dave’s Boat Repairs to help preserve its integrity over the winter. The next phase is the construction of a cement pad and Post & Beam building to display the Sawmill. It is estimated that this work will cost in excess of $60K and will require generous community support. The Historical Society cannot preserve and educate the public and bring history to life without community support.  Donations of any denomination are greatly appreciated. Please help us keep this sawmill in the community it served for well over 100 years.

Help us save The Historic Guenst Sawmill

Send your contributions to: West Rockhill Historical Society, P.O. Box 282, Sellersville, PA 18960

All contributions are tax deductible