1900 - 2015
Messer's sawmill produced lumber, shingles, dowels, and other wood products.
Frank Messer's dam prior to being faced with concrete. Waste gate is open here, letting water out of the mill pond.
Hartley Dennett bought the ruins of the Messer Mill in 1912, in anticipation of building a new and smaller mill. He salvaged many large beams and other parts, and used them in the new one.
Buildings from left to right: Blacksmith Shop, Banks' Barn, Mill, Brick House, Raymond House, Sheep Barn
Note clear pasturage on the hill.
The mill has windows now. Utility poles were for telephone only at this point, and the blacksmith shop (at left) was operating.
Here the forms are in place for the new concrete facing of the old stone dam. Boys pictured are (L-R): Nate Rawson and Robert "Bub" Bakeman Jr.
This is the view towards the southwest across the dam, newly faced with concrete. Note the stone walls in the distance.
This saw was made available to the local community for cutting logs to firewood length.
A threshing machine was installed upstairs. The thresher was available for free community use. The grain for 17 local families was threshed here in 1918,
This photograph of the mill was taken from the haymow in the cow barn across the street. A sheep barn stands beyond, and beyond it is the end of the very long barn at the Warren House.
The mill had wooden shingles on the roof and exterior walls. Note that the firewood saw has been removed.
Taken from the cow barn hayloft.
Meg started weaving at this time and did it for a living for the remainder of her life.
Photograph by Mary Bartlett Root
Machines (from left to right): jointer (at the far left), tablesaw, and planer. Someone has recently planed a lot of lumber -- note the large pile of shavings.
Note the dragon weathervane.
Photo courtesy of Tafi Brown
Photo courtesy of Tafi Brown
Photo courtesy of Tafi Brown
This upgraded 20" turbine waterwheel turns the shaft with the force of the falling water.
Photograph courtesy of Tafi Brown
Photo courtesy of Kate Tarlow Morgan
Photo courtesy of Kate Tarlow Morgan
The three dormers were removed and a rubber membrane installed over the roof, preventing most further deterioration until proper repairs could be made.
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Mill Hollow Heritage Association
Mailing Address: MHHA, PO Box 608, Alstead, NH 03602
Chase’s Mill
Physical Location: 801 Forest Road, Alstead, NH
Phone: 603-835-2280