peck's mill, off route 32
Mill site and wheel pit looking toward Willimantic River
Waterway: Willimantic River
Water power: Overshot wheel
Mill type: Grist mill, saw mill, clothing works, and finishing shop
Water power: Overshot wheel
Mill type: Grist mill, saw mill, clothing works, and finishing shop
History: It was one the early water powered mill in Willington and the only documented mill in Willington located on the Willimantic River. Approval for mill construction was granted circa 1732 with the mill known to be in operation in1737 and was still operating as a mill at this site in 1779 by Thomas Peck. In 1782 the Town voted to lay out a road to Peck’s mill. The bridge was built by the Town of Willington, circa 1792, to serve as a way for Tolland residents to reach the mill and for Willington residents to reach the district school in Tolland. The road was relatively short lived being discontinued in 1873.
The mill was reported to have begun as a grist mill and saw mill. In 1793 a second building was added, a "cloathing works" and finishing shop. By 1812, all these operations were still running, but by 1844, the mill had totally ceased operations. Contributing to its demise may have been the flooding issues with the Willimantic River; having to reduce the level of water held in storage by the dam because of pasture land flooding in Tolland; the business climate; or perhaps combination of factors. At this writing, additional information has been located. It will be added when verified.
Site Characteristics: Peck’s mill was located just southerly of an old abandoned road between Route 32 and Tolland. The abandoned road was located just north of Franc Motors across Route 32 from the Thomas Peck’s residence built in 1750. It is now 48 River Road owned by the Lawler family. Site inspections revealed that the mill was powered by a water wheel and most likely an overshot wheel. Remnants visible today include the mill site, head race, wheel pit, tail race, and the old road. The dam is discernible but almost totally destroyed due to repeated floods. Located on Willington Town property, the only public access is from the river or by crossing the river from the King Conservation Area in Tolland.
Additional Sources of Information: Upcoming book on Willington’s Lost Mill Sites
The mill was reported to have begun as a grist mill and saw mill. In 1793 a second building was added, a "cloathing works" and finishing shop. By 1812, all these operations were still running, but by 1844, the mill had totally ceased operations. Contributing to its demise may have been the flooding issues with the Willimantic River; having to reduce the level of water held in storage by the dam because of pasture land flooding in Tolland; the business climate; or perhaps combination of factors. At this writing, additional information has been located. It will be added when verified.
Site Characteristics: Peck’s mill was located just southerly of an old abandoned road between Route 32 and Tolland. The abandoned road was located just north of Franc Motors across Route 32 from the Thomas Peck’s residence built in 1750. It is now 48 River Road owned by the Lawler family. Site inspections revealed that the mill was powered by a water wheel and most likely an overshot wheel. Remnants visible today include the mill site, head race, wheel pit, tail race, and the old road. The dam is discernible but almost totally destroyed due to repeated floods. Located on Willington Town property, the only public access is from the river or by crossing the river from the King Conservation Area in Tolland.
Additional Sources of Information: Upcoming book on Willington’s Lost Mill Sites
Mill site and mill remnants
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