Silver Lake Mill in Dayton, VA (photo courtesy of David Showalter).

Please note: our initial publicity for this event stated that it would take place in October; however, due to scheduling for actors we have rescheduled it to November 18 and 19.

Fire in the Valley

A Dinner Theater remembering the 200th Anniversary of Silver Lake Mill

Step back in time and experience a poignant chapter of Silver Lake's history through this unique event. Fire in the Valley brings to life the story of Daniel Bowman (the owner of Silver Lake Mill from 1839 to 1884) and his family during the "Burning" campaign of October 1864. The play consists of four scenes that take place while you enjoy a candlelit, catered meal inside the Silver Lake Mill. In each scene, actors portray the challenges and tensions facing the peace-loving German Baptist Brethren when the Civil War brought fire and devastation to the Shenandoah Valley.

Fire in the Valley is written by Paul Roth, a retired Church of the Brethren pastor and Board member of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center. The meal will be prepared by Marjorie Rohrer Shank, a member of the local Old Order Mennonite church.

One performance will take place at 6:00 each evening on November 18 and 19. For ticketing information and reservations, please click the link below: