Final Elements of Lane Saw Reconstruction
The Lane #1 Circular Saw reconstruction is coming to a close. Volunteer Nate Rosebrooks has crafted a new friction wheel of layered plywood and rubber, and attached this to the original shaft that drives the carriage forward. This will replace an earlier friction wheel that appeared to be constructed of leather and pressed paper.
Volunteers George French, Andy Quigley, and Nate Rosebrooks have constructed a new pine inside logway section, from logs donated by Ayla Kardestuncer and sawn on Andy’s Lane # 1 saw. An exterior section of logway remains to be built. Before long we hope to be able to roll logs into the mill on this new logway!
Grant from Connecticut Humanities Council
Chamberlin Mill was one of 624 non-profit museums, and cultural, humanities, and arts organizations to receive a CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from the CT Humanities Council. The intent of this funding program is to “assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public.” Grants range from $5000 to $500,000. Chamberlin Mill, Inc. is very grateful for this program, and will use its $6100 grant to enhance its online presence, hire consultants to support research, and prepare marketing materials as it transitions from its restoration phase to emergence as a working museum.
This grant support has been provided to Chamberlin Mill, Inc. from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA ) from the Connecticut State Legislature.
Two Acts of Generosity
In 2014 Nate Rosebrooks and volunteers from Mystic Seaport began work on rebuilding the rusted 1928 Studebaker Straight 8 Engine that had powered the Mill in its last decades of operation. Robert Valpey, a New Hampshire car collector with connections to the Mystic Seaport’s Antique Automobile Show, offered to contribute a rough 1929 Studebaker. The understanding was that the Mill could use the engine for parts, and dispose of the rest of the vehicle, preferably not for scrap. We wanted to honor this commitment.
This year, a generous Friend of Chamberlin Mill, Tom Brown, another car man, offered to help us market the 1929 parts, and through his connections we have been successful in finding a buyer interested in old Studebaker restoration. We are very appreciative of these two acts of generosity!
Some Mill Events have resumed
After a year of almost entirely online or cancelled events, with Covid running our lives, we were able this fall to participate in several in-person events, including the Mystic Seaport Antique Automobile Show, Celebrating Agriculture, and the New England Steam-Up. Events at the Mill, including Walktober, were not offered. We look forward very much to resuming and expanding our public events and school offerings as Covid wanes.