A Trip to Harrisville, a Preservation Town
June 11, 2023
On a bright early summer morning, we headed to the Monadnock region of southwestern New Hampshire. Off the freeway, past the sprawl of Nashua, the road narrowed and began to climb. Lulled by curves and woods, a quintessential New England mill town sprang forth unexpectedly.
Harrisville is one of the best-preserved examples of a nineteenth century industrial community in New England. Much of its charm comes from the rhythm of the handsome brick structures that descend in orderly fashion astride the banks of the mill pond and canal. Having this place under the stewardship of one family for more than a century, has largely warded off interference from the modern world.
After acquiring the original woolen mill buildings and workers’ houses in the mid-19th century, the Colony family began operating the Chesire Mills. Economic unviability forced the family to close that business in 1970. But, recognizing the imminent loss of the village textile tradition and deciding he could not let that happen, the John “Chick” Colony – representing the next generation – quickly hatched a plan to preserve the core of Harrisville.
Today, they operate Harrisville Designs, established in 1971, which continues to make quality wool yarns for knitting, weaving, felting, and spinning. They also make wonderful floor looms in many sizes. The stately, water-powered facility gives little hint from the outside of the vital traditions preserved within.
Our group was extremely fortunate to have Chick as our guide that day. Soft-spoken and remarkably knowledgeable, he took us on a tour that was as inspirational as it was informative. A careful balance of past and present was evident throughout the site. Seeing the equipment for solar and hydro power generation working together, nestled alongside gargantuan wooden timbers and dressed granite blocks, all sustaining the century-old spinning machinery still at the heart of their thriving business was just one of many examples of how tradition can align with state-of-the-art function. Vibrant, innovative, and cherished, our visit to Harrisville was wonderful proof that the past is not dead and gone!
