COMMUNITY MAGNET

The redevelopment of the Whitin mill will give to the Blackstone Valley region a community magnet that will draw people from far and wide because of its diverse appeal. They will come to enjoy the airy 5,000 square foot community plaza on the banks of the Mumford River, the community theater and conference center, weddings, open-air movies, the artisans’ shops, the stores, and the ambience of a beautiful historic structure lovingly renovated. People will come to explore our industrial past and to celebrate the modern marvels of a Green future. It will truly be the transformation of real estate capital into social capital.

Education

Education and interpretation will be a large part of what the renovated Mill will offer the community. Adults and schoolchildren alike will have an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the historical significance of the Whitin Mill at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Other educational opportunities include the history of the treatment of people with disabilities and the importance of incorporating renewable energy resources throughout the complex.

Conferences

The training center will provide the opportunity for community and school groups to hold professional meetings, conferences, and training sessions. The facility is capable of supporting groups ranging in size from over one hundred to small groups.

Classrooms

The Whitin Mill Complex will form a classroom for schools groups and others interested in the industrial history of the Blackstone Valley area. As well, environmentalists will find practical applications of green technology to study.

Historical aspects

The 1826 brick mill building has been designated as “one of the finest examples of Federal style mill architecture in the valley,” by the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and is considered the third most important mill in the valley, after the two Slater mills. This mill was the founding place of the Whitin textile empire. Many members of the surrounding communities have relatives who worked in the “Ring Shop” at the Mill well into the 1970’s.

The forge building was originally built in 1772, destroyed by fire, and later rebuilt. With its pagoda-style roof and side walls that open to allow in light and ventilation, this building is a fascinating example of early industrial design. This site, where the “spinning ring” was invented, will once again function as a forge for artisans working in metal and glass.