Twin blows struck Oella in 1972. The mill shut down, and tropical storm Agnes flooded Ellicott City and the lower end of Oella. Social, economic, and environmental problems followed, causing distress of the mill village of more than 100 houses, a community hall, and a Church building. No one wanted to take over the responsibility for the village until Charles Wagandt, great grandson of William J. Dickey who had bought Oella at auction in 1887, stepped forward and bought the mill village, exclusive of the mill, in 1973. He had worked in the mill and brought with him civic experience in housing, planning, and historic preservation.