MRHS Program: Historic Sawmills of Connecticut

The Mystic River Historical Society presents a talk by Alan Ganong on historic sawmills of Connecticut, focusing on the Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill. Sawmills are rare surviving examples of a technology that was once commonplace – a water-powered up-and-down, or sash-type, sawmill. The Ledyard sawmill is unique: It is the only operating water-powered sash sawmill in the U.S. on its original site using the original 19th century mill equipment.  The mill and surrounding property were purchased by of the town of Ledyard in 1966 after members of the Ledyard Historical Society recognized the importance of saving the mill.  The mill was restored by volunteers in the 1970s and became operational again in 1975.  Ganong will discuss the history of the Ledyard sawmill and the workings and components of early sawmill technology from New England’s past.  Ganong’s woodworking and antique tools hobbies originally piqued his interest in the nearby Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill.  After several visits to the mill in the 1990s, he joined the volunteer group and has now been involved for over 15 years with operating the mill, researching the history of the Ledyard mill, and learning about historical sawmill technology. He is a retired scientist and currently works at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Waterford. 
The program is free for Society members and a suggested donation of $5 from non-members is always greatly appreciated. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (860) 536-7449, email info@mystichistory.org or visit www.mystichistory.org. The Mill is open for sawing demonstrations Saturday afternoons in April and May, and October and November.  Visit www.ledyardsawmill.org or find them on Facebook.