On January 10, 1887 in Huntington, Pennsylvania, 57 mill owners found it difficult to purchase insurance at an affordable price. The insurance companies of the day refused to write insurance on grist mills because they were dangerous and risky to insure (due to the explosive nature of grain dust).

The philosophy behind Penn Millers was to offer the best possible insurance coverage for 57 mill owners at the lowest possible cost.

The The original mill owners found that by a policy of careful selection, strict underwriting, regular inspection and engineering each risk -- losses could be reduced and rates kept low. The concept caught on in 1887 and continues today.