The Waterworks Work / We Have a New Roof & Dormers 
The Waterworks & New Roof and Dormers -
Bob Brown, Babs and Tom Putnam turn the starwheel.
Photo by Tafi Brown.
On September 23, Tom Putnam turned the starwheel on the line shaft floor that opened the penstock enabling water from the mill pond to turn the turbine. Belts began to spin and its machinery hummed back to life. 

Paying tribute to his father's legacy in starting the Putnam Foundation, Tom spoke of the mill as an important center for hands-on learning and as a hub that is bringing together a diverse community. The Foundation generously contributed $50,000 to the waterworks restoration. 

Ellen Chase paid a beautiful tribute to her father's legacy by sharing an essay she wrote about an important lesson in failure, entitled I Didn't Know I Could Do That.   Read Ellen's Essay

More than 90 friends of Chase's Mill celebrated the event and toured the building. Upstairs, visitors could see the beautiful new dormers and the natural light they provide, as well as the old and new rafters in the ell.  

It is hard to remember that construction only began in the summer of 2017! 

Many long-time supporters were on hand including Dan Botkin who worked with Heman on an earlier restoration. Dan traveled from New York with his wife to attend this event. He shared with us a chapter from a book he authored about how his work with Heman to restore the Mill, also filled an inner need.  Repairing the Mill by Dan Botkin. 

LCHIP Update - In September, members of the Board met at the Mill with representatives from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) who were reviewing 2018 grant applications. After completing the scope of work outlined in our 2016 award from LCHIP, board member (and historian and author) Helen Frink applied for a second grant, this time for $150,000. If awarded, we will need to match these funds before they can be utilized. These monies would be used towards items includings windows, siding, doors, and repairs to the dam. LCHIP will announce its awards in December 2018. There is stiff competition for limited funds.  Stay tuned!

Additional Grants - During the first two quarters of 2018 we received grants - $6,000 from the Catalyst Fund managed by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, $2,500 from the Acworth Community Charitable Trust, $2500 from the Savings Bank of Walpole, and $2,000 from an Anonymous foundation. We have additional applications outstanding and we continue to pursue these opportunities. If you know of an opportunity that we should apply for, please email board member Helen Frink. 

Fundraising - Our work is made possible through the generous donations of individuals as well as foundations. In 2019 we hope to finish exterior repairs and if there are funds available, we will also do basic electrical work, septic, and plumbing. Between now and our opening in the summer of 2020, we estimate approximately $450,000 in costs. Please consider making a tax deductible gift.  You can donate online via our secure website, or by check payable to the Mill Hollow Heritage Association. Checks should be mailed to:  MHHA 120 Main St. / Nashua NH 03060. Donations of stock can also be made by contacting board Vice President and Treasurer Michael Chaladoff.

Future Programming and Events - In September a few friends and the board spent a day exploring the future. We reviewed our Vision / Mission / Goals and began to look more closely at how best to utilize spaces in the Mill when we open in 2020. Committees were formed and ideas and plans were hatched. We will have another work day in late spring 2019.  If you are interested, please contact board member Jim Gruber.

Board Changes - Founding member Margaret Chase Perry has stepped off the board after six years. One of Heman Chase's daughters, Margaret has brought the heart of its rich history to our vision and efforts. A librarian and archivist, her knowledge and skill have been invaluable. We are indebted to her for the difference she has made in shaping our work. Fortunately, she will continue helping with curating Mill artifacts, giving tours, and generally serving as a goodwill ambassador. 

We also thank local woodworker Wade Smith for his service on the board.  Wade has taught woodworking at the Mill and was instrumental in extracting the turbine for repair. His knowledge of old tools has been invaluable.  

We are excited to welcome Jim Gruber, a resident of Alstead since the 1970s. An engineer, a professor, author, and international consultant, Jim is Director of the PhD Program in Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England. He also worked with Heman at the Mill where he taught classes. Read Jim's bio.

Events / Tours - Closed for Winter - Tours of the mill have been discontinued for the season. However, if you have a special request, please contact Bob Brown to see if something might be arranged. 

A New Mailing Address: We recently retained the services of SquareTail, a bookkeeping firm with offices in Keene and Nashua. Please note our new mailing address:MHHA 120 Main St. / Nashua NH 03060.

As always, we deeply appreciate your partnership and support!

Sincerely,


L-R: Michael Chaladoff, VP Treasurer, Jim Howard, Curator, Jim Gruber, Events & Programming, Helen Frink, Grants, Bob Brown, Rehabilitation, Betsy Anderson, Secretary,  Bruce Montgomery, Attorney, Sharon Spaulding, President, Bryony Romer, Fundraising.  (Absent: Cathy Jahos, Communications) Photo by Tafi Brown.

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.

Mill Hollow Heritage Association

Mailing Address: 120 Main St. / Nashua, NH 03060
Located in Alstead, NH at: 801 Forest Road

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