Turning Over The Millennium - An Interactive Global Gallery presented by photographers from around the world

Willimantic
Connecticut, USA

Photographer - Tony Mason-Sherwood
All Photographs © 1999 Tony Mason-Sherwood




Renovated Mill Number 2
Mill Number 1 is unimproved
Old Bridge


Willimantic is the former home of the main production facility of the American Thread Company. In 1978 it merged with Coats and Clark and moved south. At the end of the 19th century the mill was the largest employer in the state of Connecticut with 3400 workers all living within walking distance of the Mill. Originally there were four buildings of which only two now remain. Building 2 (first image) is completely renovated with modern office and manufacturing space but it is not filled yet. There are ambitious plans for it to help court new businesses to the area. Building 1 (second image) is unimproved and stands as it has for over 20 years since American Thread left the town. In the forground is a park that is part of the grounds of Building 2. Image 3 is the old bridge across the Willimantic River that is currently being replaced by a new bridge. It is a picturesque part of the park that is part of the grounds of Building 2.

The coffee break was originated here. Over 100 years ago children worked in the Mill after school and an experiment was tried. They were given a break with refreshments half way through their work time. Their productivity increased more than enough to pay for the lost time and the cost of the refreshments so the program was instituted for the entire workforce. The The apartment building below is part of the Victorian style of houses that is so much a part of Willimantic. The final image is the Textile Museum which retains information and machinery as well is recreations of the life style and traditions of the community. It is a facinating place to visit and take a step into the history of this area.

Appartment House
Textile Museum

Previous photos are still available
Page from October 19, 1999
Page from October 28, 1999
Page from November 23, 1999
Page from January 8, 2000

I have a gallery of additional photographs that you are invited to view. You can contact me via email at tmason@thecomputerfarm.com

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