Albus Balch Sawmill
New Ipswich Historical Society
Albus Balch Sawmill
Even though this glass negative is over 100 years old it is easy to know which season the photo was taken. From the remaining snow bank and rutted road, this is New Ipswich’s mud season.
I would be curious to learn if that road still exists. perhaps the houses might give a clue. Below is a photo taken from another glass negative of Balch’s Mill. Could these photos be taken of the same mill from two different vantage points?
On this day - March 6, 1908
James Roger diary entry
March 6th (Friday)
Frost then cloudy with snow and some rain. David went over the Mountain for some wood for Mr. Walker. I bathed Alice’s udder and milked her at dinner time. Town Book issued today. Dr. Jones called with some medicine for Jim.
Notes:
David: James’s son and bachelor jack of all trades in N.I. Lived with James
A.F. Walker owned a Wood Turning Mill
I’m guessing that Alice is a cow
Doctor Frederic Jones
Another guess: Mills were water-powered. 392 Ashby Rd, opposite now-dry Gibson Pond and near Willard Rd, would seem to be the residence in the center of the photo.