The Mill

The Garland Mill is a water-powered sawmill that has been in continuous operation since 1856. Water from Garland Brook has always driven the mill, though a succession of turbines have captured its energy. Currently we use an S. Morgan Smith turbine of 1938 vintage. Power transmission to our various machinery—through shafting, pulleys, and belts—is consistent with its original Civil War era technology. As such our sawmill is one of the last operating examples of its kind in New England and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Interestingly, our use of older technologies has brought us to the forefront of current sensibilities; the mill has been a net energy producer since 1982. When not milling, we generate excess power and send it into the grid. Annually, the mill produces more electricity than our company uses.