Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, Massachusetts stands on a mill site with documented use dating to about 1684, rooted in some of the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s earliest industry. A dam was built here in 1681, followed by a grist mill and later a sawmill. After Henry Woodbridge converted the complex to spice grinding in 1860, a severe fire led to rebuilding the main structure in 1861. In 1864 Charles and Frederick Schwamb bought the property and used it to make circular and elliptical picture frames until 1969, preserving largely unchanged machinery and methods. Owned by a nonprofit since 1969, it is prized for its long industrial continuity and unusually intact water-powered workshop systems.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Winchester, Massachusetts · USA