Sawyer Woolen Mills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sawyer Woolen Mills
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1 Mill St., Dover, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 8.5 acres (3.4 ha) |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Lombard Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 89001208 |
| Added to NRHP | September 13, 1989 |
The Sawyer Woolen Mills are a very old and important group of buildings in Dover, New Hampshire. They are located at 1 Mill Street. These buildings were built over many years, from 1873 to 1939. This mill complex is one of the best-preserved in New Hampshire. It shows off different building styles because new parts were added without tearing down the older ones. The mills were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means they are special and protected because of their history.
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What Do the Mills Look Like?
The mill complex covers about 8.5 acres (about 3.4 hectares) of land. It sits right next to the Bellamy River, near the Spaulding Turnpike in Dover. The complex has 15 main buildings, two dams, and four bridges. Only three smaller buildings have been removed over time.
Main Mill Buildings
There are four large buildings where the fabric was made. These buildings are lined up along the river. Two of them are even connected by a part that goes right over the river!
Other Important Buildings
On the east side of the complex, you'll find four warehouses. These were used to store materials and finished products. The office building, built in 1882, is very special. It's considered one of the best mill offices from that time in all of New England. It still has many of its original fancy details inside. Most of the mill buildings' designers are unknown. However, a local architect named Charles E. Joy designed the office building.
A Look at the Mills' History
The Sawyer Woolen Mill Company started way back in 1824. It's thought to be the third woolen mill ever built in New Hampshire.
Growing into a Big Business
By 1883, this company was the biggest maker of woolen goods in the entire state! It held this top spot for a long time. Around 1900, another company, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, became even bigger. The Sawyer family owned and ran the mill until 1899.
New Owners and New Uses
In 1899, the company faced financial trouble and was bought by the American Woolen Company. The American Woolen Company kept the mill running until 1955. That's when they closed it down and sold off the buildings. In the mid-1980s, the mill complex got a new life. It was changed into homes and apartments, where people live today!
