History of Walker's Mill
June 21, 1930
Walker’s Mill History
Another news account of the Walker’s Mill fire on June 21, 1930 included the history of the mill which is transcribed below
Transcription
NEW IPSWICH, June 24 The A. F. Walker & Son wood turning factory, burned in the early morning of June 21, removes one more of the town's historical landmarks, which seem to be fast disappearing.
Some time previous to 1800, the exact date is unknown, one John Putnam erected the brick building which formed the main part of the mill just burned, and manufactured scythes there. Mr. Putnam was followed in this work by Oliver Ormsbee and John Farwell until Mr. Farwell removed to Fitchburg and continued the business there on a larger scale. During this time it was known as the Old Iron Works.
About the year 1810, Josiah Davis, Joel Davis and Peter Felt converted it into a cotton mill which continued in operation until 1826. It was then known as the Davis Cotton mill.
The following eight years of its history are uncertain, but an ancient deed in the Walker family states it was bought by William D. Walker, March 26, 1834, from Martin Ames. So nearly a century ago William D. Walker, grandfather of the present owner, began here the manufacture of the well-known and now antique Walker bedstead of the variety known as the Spool bedstead. This he carried on all his life, gradually adding a variety wood turned articles to his output. He was succeeded by his sons, William M. and Albert F., who began enlarging the plant. In 1885 William M. sold out to his brother who continued with the steadily growing business. Mr. Walker's health failed, and some years before his death he took his son, Robert B., in-to the business, and it has since been known as the firm of A. F. Walker & Son.
The present owner has greatly enlarged the plant, gradually adding more room to the old original brick mill until it covered quite an extensive area. His work comprised a large variety of spindles, handles, parts of toys, etc., and employed about 30 men. He had recently built an enamelling plant and this fortunately escaped the fire. A mill in Ashby, employing about 12 men in this same line of work, is owned and operated by Mr. Walker, who has said that he intends to rebuild his New Ipswich plant.
James Roger diary entry
March 13, 1909 (Saturday)
Frosty mild but not much thaw, cloudy afternoon threatening snow wind south to south west. David went to Greenville for coal, and to the woods in afternoon. I fixed Church fires &c. Got letters from Hamish, Alice, Jessie Mair and People’s Friend &c from Roslin.
275th Anniversary Celebration Events
Saturday - March 29, 2025 - 11AM - 2PM
Chili cook off
2025 is the 275th anniversary of the founding of New Ipswich! There will be town events and celebrations throughout the year and this first one is coming right up. If you have the perfect chili recipe and want to enter it to win bragging rights and your place in Town history, then register today and we look forward to seeing you on March 29th. Use the QR code above to enter. (Only New Ipswich residents can enter their chili, but anyone and everyone is very welcome to come and eat lunch and judge).
I was intrigued by the reference to the “now antique” spool bedstead made at Walker’s Mill. Around 1975 I bought at an auction at Stephen Thayer’s Gothic Revival house on the Turnpike coming into the center of the town a small double bedstead with turned headboard and footboard which might be described as a spool bedstead. I wonder if it came from Walker’s Mill? It’s certainly old.
I grew up on Ashby Road and my grandfather, Waino Kontio who built our house after he got back from fighting in Italy during WWII, had told me at one time that he had worked at that mill previously. As kids we used to swim and fish the river behind it. Back in the early 90's a friend of mine was running a body shop out of one of the old buildings there.