Shingle Mill - Official Work Thread

[Dana Deering]

Hey Everyone,

     I'm planning to have another work day at the shingle mill on Saturday, May 9.  The owners have agreed to spot a dumpster there for us and I'm thinking we can finish the clean out that day and get plans formalized for removing the mill equipment.  It would be nice to have the equipment out and safely stored at Sheepscot or nearby by the end of June.  If you are interested and need directions PM me or call me.

Dana

[Pete "Cosmo" Barrington]

And golly-gee-whiz, somebody, BRING A CAMERA! I keep hearing about this place, I'd like to see a few pics before it "dissappears." 

[Mike Fox]

We documented it pretty well the first trip, but you are correct. Photos need to be taken after more cleaning but before the machinery is removed. It is like stepping back in time (just like we like it). Minus a couple of belts being removed, it is like it was the last day he used it. My hat is off to Dana, for discovering it, talking with the owner, and keeping track of it even after his passing. This is the type of thing we need. More historic variety, allowing us to possibly attract an even wider variety of tourists. And provide an interesting operating piece of history.

[Wayne Laepple]

At least as important as attracting more tourists, perhaps the shingle mill (and the sawmill) might bring in some volunteers who are interested in antique technology. Perhaps it would be worthwhile for a press release to be sent to the Portland newspaper or even a TV station when the machinery is being loaded and hauled to Sheepscot, emphasizing our desirer to someday put the machinery back into use as a historic demonstration.

[Benjamin Campbell]

Sounds like my kind of place. First time I've heard about it. Discussed in another thread? Any photos to share now?

[Mike Fox]

Kept under wraps until recently Ben. The owners of the property were very adamant that no one be allowed on the property without Dana being present. The best way decided to do that was to keep it hush hush, until there was a good handle on things. We, as a museum, are very fortunate to be getting this, and all contents. Quite a variety of stuff in there. In fact, Fred found a potato sack from there today that was used to ship potatoes from Caribou. Lots of interesting stuff.

[Paul Uhland]

Shades of the East Broad Top!

[Benjamin Campbell]

Sounds like a rare find. Take plenty of photos to document it. Is the shingle mill
wood framed or cast iron?

[Gordon Cook]

At least as important as attracting more tourists, perhaps the shingle mill (and the sawmill) might bring in some volunteers who are interested in antique technology. Perhaps it would be worthwhile for a press release to be sent to the Portland newspaper or even a TV station when the machinery is being loaded and hauled to Sheepscot, emphasizing our desirer to someday put the machinery back into use as a historic demonstration.

Another thought: Is there any market for 'Made in Maine' shingles? It may be that other preservationists, builders, or individuals may be interested in buying shingles (or lumber) that's cut locally and is unique in size, shape, tree type, etc. With some imagination it could be another income source for the museum, as well as more exposure, as Wayne points out.

[Ken Fleming]

Here at Rough & Tumble in PA, we have a shingle mill and make cedar shingles Then we brand them with our logo and sell them for $1 ea.  Not a big money maker, but folks like to take them home.  They do last "forever".  A fellow I know has a big portable shingle mill.  He brings over Big Spring Farm (New Holland) ever Summer and we power it with steam.  A lot fun. Also, steam powered saw mill in operation.

[Mike Fox]

The shingle mill itself is cast Iron on a wooden frame. 6X6 or 8X8 timbers if I recall correctly.

[John Kokas]

If the shingle mill could be setup and made to run, I have some cedar logs (not huge) that are in 4-6 foot sections that I would be willing to donate and bring up.

[Dana Deering]

Hi All,

     I hope everyone will understand that I have been keeping the shingle mill developments quiet while I worked to get a firm commitment from the Estate to donate the mill to the WW&F.  The mill is hidden in plain sight at a very busy intersection in southern Maine and I don't want too many people knowing about it so we can get it safely removed and taken to the Museum.  We're on pretty solid footing now and the Executor of the Estate has been a pleasure to work with and I have been careful to work according to their wishes.  Luckily he is very history/preservation minded and really wants the mill preserved and restored and he has placed his trust in me and I take that seriously.  At some point, once the machinery is safely on its way to the Museum I will write an article about the history of the mill and a little bit about my ten plus year effort to save it, and the friendship I developed with Ralph, the late owner.  It is a unique mill and I can't think of a better home for it than the WW&F.  I am so pleased to think of how this will expand the draw of the museum and expand our possible events for the future.  I have been thinking about getting the press involved but not until the day the machinery is loaded on the trailer!  Thanks for all of your support with this project.  It is "wicked cool!" 

Dana

[John Kokas]

Just wondering out loud, but would setting up the shingle mill and sawmill be a project for our "acreage" at TOM.  Would definitely make the other end of line an attraction rather than just a turn-around point.

A Mini-Sherburne village a possibility?

[Philip Marshall]

Thank you Dana for seeing this project through to the end in such a careful and deliberate manner! As a lover of old mills and machinery as well as trains, I'm really excited about the shingle mill and think it (plus the sawmill) will make a superb addition to the museum. I look forward to hearing more details about it in due time.

-Philip Marshall