~ The Orswell Mills ~

Incorporated May 8, 1888.

~ River Street ~
West Fitchburg

Credit for this Sentinel newspaper article below, goes to - Mr. Edward McManus of Fitchburg.

The article below comes from The Fitchburg Sentinel Rotogravure, March 23., 1912.
and featured a half page on the Orswell Mills on page 65 of that edition.

Note - the above image is not from the article, but shows the Orswell Mills in the period betweem 1905 - 1910.

From the Sentinel - the article starts:-
They made yarn from the cotton plants of New England and cotton plants of Egypt and Sea Island "that evidenced the highest standard of excellence."

"The person who takes pleasure in his tasks is the one who performs them most creditably and satisfactorily.
Thus the employer or corporation that provides wholesome conditions, modern facilities and surroundings conducive
to contentment and development, has equipped himself with one of the best assets for a successful business.

In the organization of the Orswell Mills, this asset was most soundly incorporated, and in the years that have
succeeded the wisdom of the plan has been demonstrated. The mills have been operated almost without interruption.
There has been no friction between employers and employees, and the harmony of relations, combined with the facilities
and equipment at their disposal, has resulted in expanding operations, and an increased production, which in quantity
and quality gives the mills a high and sound reputation in textile circles." The mills employed 350 people working at
40,000 spindles. Air and light were plentiful. " The mills are of brick construction, four stories high, with a length of 517 feet
and depth of 78 feet (providing) an area of 161,304 square feet beside the engine and boiler house and a commodious
storehouse in the rear." "The plant is operated wholly by steam and a fifteen hundred horsepower engine is used."

"The mills were erected in 1886...The founders (were) W.M. Orswell, president, and W.F. Stiles, treasurer. The late
C.T. Crocker was president at the time of his death." "The Orswell Mills is one of Fitchburg's soundest and strongest
industrial enterprises, and the fairness and justice with which it is conducted gives its operative a sense of loyalty and
straightforwardness that is not only effective for the company, but also to make them better citizens generally and most
desirable residents of this municipality."

~ More information below ~

Taking a look over the coal yard sitting near the railway tracks the other end
of the mill is now in view giving a better idea of the actual size of the Mill.

The type of looms used in this Mill remain a mystery up until this day !!.
There is a good possibility they might have been either Whitin Looms from the Whitin
Machine Works in Uxbridge or from the Crompton and Knowles Works in Worcester,
although the latter company specialized more in wool machinery. The Draper Company
in Hopedale gives no mention to this Mill as one of it's customers, being the most likely
as most Draper manuals cover not only their machines but also their customer base in full.

~ More yet to come on this interesting Mill ~

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