Tag: mills

WHEN WE HAD INDUSTRY

Living as we do in the valley where America birthed its own (100 years after they had done it all over Europe and England) industry, we can see what remains of the mills and factories that were formerly here. This is what remains of Bernat Mills. It burned to the ground on July 21, 2007. … Continue reading WHEN WE HAD INDUSTRY

WHEN WE HAD INDUSTRY

Living as we do in the valley where America birthed its own (100 years after they had done it all over Europe and England) industry, we can see what remains of the mills and factories that were formerly here. This is what remains of Bernat Mills. It burnt to the ground July 21, 2007. It … Continue reading WHEN WE HAD INDUSTRY

AMERICANS DON’T PICK COTTON – Marilyn Armstrong

Photography: Garry and Marilyn Armstrong You really get a feel for rivers when you live in a regional watershed. The Blackstone and its tributaries flow down from the Worcester hills at the northern part of the state. The Blackstone is not a wide river. Not like the Mississippi or even the Hudson. It's a relatively … Continue reading AMERICANS DON’T PICK COTTON – Marilyn Armstrong

Memories of My Life In Textile Mills

After the mills closed along the Blackstone River, the owners moved their business down south. It made sense, since cotton mills were the bulk of their business and the cotton fields were in the south. These transported mills became a backbone industry for the American south until a series of U.S. Presidents, starting with Reagan, continuing … Continue reading Memories of My Life In Textile Mills

The River – Marilyn Armstrong

When first we moved here from Boston, it was wonderful, but so different. Although I'd lived in the suburbs and spent most of my vacation time through the years out in the country, I'd never lived so far from a major city nor in a river valley, which has a particular character of its own. … Continue reading The River – Marilyn Armstrong

Inside An Old Mill

We went down to Walpole today. Garry was doing a television show with his friend, Tom Ellis, a "wrap up" to his Hall of Fame induction. I'd been to Walpole Community Television before. Several times and once, when I was a new author, I was interviewed on a show there. Yet I had never noticed … Continue reading Inside An Old Mill

Mill No. 4, 1911

All over the valley, they are remodeling old mills and turning them into office space, housing, places for crafts and shopping. This mill is in North Smithfield Rhode Island. It bears the name of Mill No. 4, 1911. I haven't been able to find out more. Yet. I'll keep searching, but meanwhile, Mill No. 4 … Continue reading Mill No. 4, 1911

A Little Canal

The Mumford is one of the major tributaries of the Blackstone. It, as well as the Blackstone, run right through the middle of Uxbridge. Can you spell flooding? Between the main Mumford and the old Bernat Mill runs a tiny canal. It has its own locks, even though it is no more than a dozen … Continue reading A Little Canal

Mills of the Blackstone Valley

Not surprisingly, the Blackstone Valley is full of old mills. Some are very old, some relatively recent. Some of the oldest are the best preserved and a few have been fully renovated and put back to use as housing or shopping areas. Many mills have been converted to condominiums or mini malls. Some have become … Continue reading Mills of the Blackstone Valley