The Tracy Shoddy Mill was originally a paper mill built in 1812, but eventually failed due to new machinery. It was later used to make shoddy, a recycled wool product. In 1882, Mr. Tracy acquired the site and expanded it greatly, eventually incorporating it as the E.A. Tracy Company. The mill was later sold and taken over by the Town of Coventry for back taxes. The South Coventry Volunteer Fire Department occupied the brick building until 2001 when they moved to a new facility. Eugene A. Tracy, the founder of the mill, was born in 1850 and contributed to many organizations and charities. He retired in North Carolina and passed away in 1934.