Savings Bank of Walpole Awards Chase's Mill $2,500 Grant

ALSTEAD, NH - Aug. 17, 2018 - Mark Bodin, President,  Savings Bank of Walpole, today announced the Bank has awarded a $2,500 grant to be used towards the renovation of the waterworks at Chase's Mill.           

According to Mr. Bodin, "Savings Bank of Walpole is happy to support Chase's Mill renovations. Bringing this building back to life will not only preserve the historical heritage of the structure but will also help provide an educational component for the community to share with the next generation."

Situated near the mouth of Lake Warren, Chase's Mill stands on foundation stones dating to 1767. Since that time there has been a water-powered mill in operation for most of the past 250 years. Countless neighbors and friends fondly remember its long-time owner, Heman Chase, who used water from Warren Brook to power his woodworking machinery. He opened the Mill's green door to children who came to build, experiment, and tinker under his tutelage. 

The locally based nonprofit, Mill Hollow Heritage Association (MHHA), purchased this historic treasure in 2016 with the goal of preserving it to reopen to the public in 2020 as a center for hands-on learning, a living museum, and a community gathering space.

Sharon Spaulding, president of MHHA, said, "We have made tremendous progress toward our goal of restoring Chase's Mill so that we can host classes for adults and children in woodworking, boatbuilding, and the use of waterpower as a sustainable energy source. The upstairs will serve as a gathering place for community meetings, book talks, music, and other activities. We deeply appreciate the support of generous donors and civic-minded businesses like Savings Bank of Walpole which brings us closer to our goal." 

With foundation stones dating to 1767, Chase's Mill has an important story to tell about the history of community and manufacturing in New England.  MHHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to rehabilitate the structure and open as a living museum and center for experiential learning in 2020.  Donations are tax deductible.