On May 23. 2009 , Jim Deegan
accepted a plaque from Haycock Historical Society's
president, Chris Handschin, honoring his late father, Gerard F.
Deegan who passed away in 2008. The plaque, inset with the first
produced Haycock Historical Society 2008 Commemorative red clay
tile commemorates the senior Deegan's achievements. Gerard F.
Deegan, (former owner/operator of the Tohickon Campground with
son, Jim) had pursued the goal of restoring Sheard's/Clymer's
Mill to it's former operating state and opening it as an
historic Mill Museum.
The historic mill, located in the village of Thatcher is part
of the Tohickon Campground property. This area is unique in
Bucks County as it is home to both a covered bridge and grist
mill in very close proximity. Sheard's/Clymer's Mill, under the
ownership of John Clymer operated until 1971. When Deegan bought
the creekside property he operated it as the Tohickon campground
while working tirelessly to have the mill placed on the National
Historical Sites Registry.
This is considered a crucial first step to preserve the
historically significant structure as well as halt demolition,
future alterations or changes in use. Gerard lived just long
enough to see this first step come to fruition. Haycock
Historical Society wishes to honor the dedication shown by
Gerard in his quest to preserve history. There is still much
work to do to the mill and with the economy as it is, the
restoration project efforts have been slow. Jim Deegan is
hopeful that he may continue in his father's path with the re
storation.
Although Sheard's/Clymer's Mill is situated just outside of
Haycock Township's borders in East Rockhill Township, the
village of Thatcher spanned both townships and once included the
mill, covered bridge, general store as well as a clustering of
homes and farms in the area of Covered Bridge road and Thatcher
road. Since East Rockhill Township does not have an historic
society, Haycock Historical Society will make every effort to
support this valuable preservation effort.