Once Abandoned And Left To Decay, The Zedler Mill In Texas Has Been Restored To Its Former Glory
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 14, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Most abandoned places in Texas are left to decay in the elements, but the Zedler Mill in Luling has been given a second chance at life. This historic mill once supplied power and water to the surrounding community, but quickly fell into a state of disrepair after being shut down in the 1950s. Restored to its former glory in the early 2000s, the mill showcases a way of life that is all but forgotten in the modern age.
A designated Texas Historical Landmark, Zedler Mill dates to 1874. It served as the gristmill for the community of Luling, originally just consisting of a stone mill before the addition of a cotton gin and water wheel in the 1880s.
The mill changed hands several times over the years, serving a variety of different purposes as time went on. A lumber sawmill was eventually added, and the stone dam was replaced with wood to generate more power.
In 1888, Fritz Zedler purchased the mill, and, along with his eldest son, embarked on a mission to take the facility to new heights. Unfortunately, their plans were thwarted when the mill caught fire that October, but it was quickly rebuilt, and operations returned to normal within seven weeks.
The next two generations of the Zedler family continued to run the mill, adding steam engines, a concrete dam, mule barns, a blacksmith shop, and even a generator to provide the town of Luling with electricity. Until the 1920s, the mill was the city's sole power and water supplier.
By the 1920s, flour milling was added to the business plan, and the mill began selling animal feed and grinding cornmeal. Sadly, however, this success would not last. By the 1950s, the mill had shut down and began falling into a state of decay. All of the equipment and machinery was sold for scrap, and the facility was left to succumb to the elements.
Thanks to the Luling Economic Development Corporation, all was not lost. The corporation purchased the property for the City of Luling in 2002, and shortly thereafter, the Zedler Mill Foundation was formed.
Today, the 9-acre complex is a city park consisting of the mill itself along with six other historical buildings such as a corn sheller and smokehouse.
Guests are invited to take a self-guided tour of the property, reading the numerous interpretive panels that provide greater insight into the early mill operations. There is also an audio tour, which visitors can listen to by dialing (585) 935-7582.
The beautifully restored property is a popular venue for weddings and other events, featuring paved walking paths, butterfly gardens, river frontage, and a lovely pavilion.
For more information about the Zedler Mill, including details about renting the venue for an event, please visit its Facebook page or the official City of Luling website.
Have you ever visited the Zedler Mill? Are there any other once-abandoned places in Texas that have been beautifully restored? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for the ultimate Texas BBQ road trip that features one of Luling’s most iconic restaurants.
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