Woonsocket, Rhode Island is an old mill town, just across the border from my home town of Bellingham, Massachusetts. Home for a niece’s graduation, having my camera, I spent some time finding a way to break into one of the old mills. I was successful.
The mill was familiar to me. I’d worked as a cook at a local Dunkin’ Donuts during high school. I was willing to work the swing shift, and old mill workers would stop by for a coffee before or after work. I was a shy and awkward 16-year-old. The guys (and some of the gals) would tease me, and once they sent prostitute back into the kitchen, pre-paid. I was horrified and sent her away, mumbling something about health codes, though I do remember her being fairly cute. Sigh.
The dog was there, sitting in the middle of an empty floor. He didn’t seem to mind my passing through.
(Remember, you can click on any image to zoom, and then move between images while in zoomed mode.)
These are wonderful – you get a real sense of the work environment of the mill. I am worried about the dog -why is it there, who put it there and should you rescue the dog so it is not torn apart by critters.
Mary, I wanted to rescue the puppy, but having broken into the mill I didn’t want to be guilty of theft. 🙂
The chair in the empty room is epic. Great setups for next zombie movie 🙂
was that what it looked like before the fire? tell me it wasn’t you =)
Nope, this is a different mill. Still there, for now. At the beginning of the second paragraph is a link to the Google Maps view of the mill I photographed…
Reminds me of the old mills that I worked in while in high tech in NH! I miss them… so much character.
Reminds me of the old mills that I worked in while in high tech in NH! I miss them… so much character.
Reminds me of the old mills that I worked in while in high tech in NH! I miss them… so much character.
Love the pink-lavender brick, and of course, YOU in the mirror!
That’s amazing! Some really nice shots in a very interesting local. I would love to have been there!
(and what about the cute ghost in the pink bathroom? did he mind you being there?)
Ron, I too as a young man went to work with may maternal grandfather who was a watchman and boiler operator in a mill such as this, looks like a woolen processing mill in your photo. The lanolin from the wool would seep into the wooden planks over time. The one I went to was on Clinton St in Woonsocket. A lifetime ago. Good luck in the Bay Area. I lived out in that area for many years from Walnut Creek to Vallejo, Santa Rosa, Navato. Visited Sausalito many times very quaint.
Richard Lussier Woonsocket resident now in Tennessee.
Richard, thanks for your comments and memories!