Entry No. 46 — the Philadelphia file — filed under: ruins

Barker's Mill (aka Nippes Armory)

Constructed in the early 19th century by David Nippes, this historic stone mill originally manufactured firearms for the War of 1812 before transitioning to woolen production under the Barker family. After a late-20th-century stint as a recording studio for the R&B group Boyz II Men, the complex was abandoned in the mid-2000s. Today, the multi-story stone and brick structures stand vacant and decaying along the banks of Mill Creek, surrounded by overgrown vegetation.

The move: Take a scenic walk along the adjacent trails of Rolling Hill Park, where you can safely view and photograph the exterior of the historic mill ruins and the nearby stone worker housing.

📍 Before you go The mill buildings are private property, heavily dilapidated with collapsing floors, and fenced off, but they are easily visible from Mill Creek Road and the public trails of Rolling Hill Park.

• 📍 Gladwyne
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 1400 Mill Creek Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: abandonedin360.com · patch.com · phillymag.com

last checked: 2026-07-20